Our Story

Takaanini School is undergoing a period of change. We recently updated our logo to reflect our changing community and new direction. After extensive research and community consultation a series of concepts were developed that represented the very beginning of the Takaanini area in the 1800’s and the old chief Ihaka Takaanini’s (the suburb’s namesake) story. From Te Aparangi, Maori, under the guidance of Chief Takaanini, supplied Papakura and the developing town of Auckland with vegetables and fruit from their gardens and orchards here in Takaanini. The sales from the produce at the orchards were a great source of economy for the local tribes and provided for many local whanau.

Moving further back than industry, we felt the concept of growth and supporting each other and the community, through nature, is how we want our students to see their future and their journey here at Takaanini School. The brand marque is more than just a logo, it represents the concept of growth and respect. It teaches our children that this place was one of pride and abundance, and that through teamwork and a positive and engaged community, you can provide for a community much bigger than your own.

The colouring of the brand marque represents the citrus of the orchards and the diversity and vibrancy of our current community. We love our new brand, we believe it launches us forward onto a positive new path and we hope you love it too.

What to expect at the Takaanini School whakatau

At 10am on the first Friday of each term, our school holds a mihi whakatau, which is a traditional Māori welcome, which means to settle. This is our way of welcoming new students and staff, along with their families, into the Takaanini School community. You are very welcome to bring extended family plus anyone who is important to your child as they begin their learning journey at Takaanini School. 

After consultation with our school wide community, including staff, parents and the Board of Trustees, as well as consultation with local Kaumatua, we have developed our own school tikanga (customs or procedures) for our school whakatau, to reflect the visions and values of our school.

How we will proceed with our whakatau:
The manuhiri (visitors) will gather on the courts at the back of the school hall, then a staff member will lead you into the whakatau.  

• The manuhiri (visitors) will be lead in by a Karanga, ceremonial call, at our whakatau.

• The tangata whenua (hosts) will be seated facing the manuhiri (visitors) to welcome you. 

•  You will take a seat on the manuhiri side -  traditionally men sit in the front row ….

• A mihi (welcome speech) will be made by a representative of the school. Then the school and staff will stand and sing a waiata (song) to support the speaker’s message.  (There may be other speakers; a waiata will follow each speech.  Speakers are welcome to speak in any language they feel comfortable with, however, a greeting in Te Reo Māori is encouraged. 

• A representative from the manuhiri (visitors) will respond, then the group will stand and sing to support the speaker, a waiata. The group will sit down.   

• The last speaker will then be from the school. The School Principal or her representative will speak.  

• Hariru – the hosts and new families involved will shake hands, hongi (nose to nose) or kiss. 

• Most students will go back to class at this point. 

• Takaanini School will offer a simple morning tea or kai for parents to share. A karakia kai (grace) will be recited before manuhiri are invited to eat. All new tamariki will also share kai together.  This concludes the whakatau and signifies the coming together of the visitors and Takaanini School.