Te Whānau Rūmaki o Te Uru Karaka (full immersion in te reo Māori) is one of our special programmes pathway at Newton Central School, accepting a maximum of 51 students in the unit.
Whānau are expected to be a contributing members of the whānau collective and be committed to the special programme’s kaupapa, kawa, tikanga and values.
All students who live within the home zone and who meet the criteria for entry into the special programme will be enrolled ahead of out of zone students.
Te Whānau Rumaki o Te Uru Karaka is based on kaupapa Māori principles, practices and pedagogy and operates a Level 1 Maori medium programme, which means 81 – 100% of the curriculum is taught in te reo Māori.
Each year level has an unique name pertaining to the ancestors of Tamaki:
Year 0 – Te Uru Karaka
Year 1 – Karangahape
Year 2 – Te Iringa o Rāuru
Year 3 – Rimutahi
Year 4 – Te Rae o Kāwharu
Year 5 – Te Puna Rere a Maru
Year 6 – Maungawhau
Te Uru Karaka Tamaiti-Miharo Graduate Profile
Meet the Rūmaki Team:

Years 0 – 2, Te Aka Pūkāea: Erina Henare Aperahama
Years 3 – 4, Te Aka Pūkāea: Āwhina Rawiti
Years 5 – 6, Te Aka Pūkāea: Pauline Pile
Year 0 – 6, Te Aka Pūkāea: Ruia Aperahama
Special Programme Enrolment Entry Criteria
Te Whānau Rūmaki o Te Uru Karaka:
Entry criteria is determined by a tono process, in which an interview takes place between the parents, staff and whānau representatives. Decision on entry will be based on:
A high level of fluency in te reo Māori, as assessed by kaiako through oral interaction with children
A commitment from the applicant’s whānau to use te reo in the family home, with at least one member of the whānau living with the child having a high level of fluency in reo.
A high level of fluency in te reo Māori, as assessed by kaiako through oral interaction with children.
A commitment from the applicant’s whānau to use te reo in the family home, with at least one member of the whānau living with the child having a high level of fluency in reo.
Entrants are expected to have graduated from (attended for two years) a Kohanga Reo or Puna Reo or have been brought up in a home environment where te reo is the first language and are able to engage in everyday conversation through the medium of te reo Māori
A commitment from parents to take an active role in their child’s education throughout their child’s attendance at school by contributing to the unique nature of the special programme. This will involve regular attendance to whānau hui and community initiated activities.