New School Name and Logo

The whakapapa around Te Kura o Wairau, the new school name, and the new tohu/logo. They are both based on Rangitāne's migration and whakapapa.

Our tohu is so beautiful because it’s symbolic design ensures ‘all’ who are not mana whenua feel part of the kaupapa too.

The straight lines of the kōwhaiwhai pattern that have been used are symbolic of many things.

They symbolise our three maunga (Tararua, Ruahine, and Taikorea) of this area that surround and protect ‘Wairau’.

They symbolise the Manawatū River that winds its way through the land and out to the ocean.

They also represents Wairau, and the many tributaries of the awa/streams that feed the land. These streams symbolise our students and the many diverse cultures that make up the river of knowledge, in our school.

They symbolise the three main streams (Taonui, Kawau and Mangaone) in this area.

They symbolise the three ancient swamps (Roto nui o Hau, Taonui and Makurerua), which although now drained formed the food basket for the local iwi.

They also symbolise and acknowledge the main waterways (Manawatu, Oroua, and Pohangina) which are a feature of the region.

They are also a symbol that recognises the three main tribes of the regions (Rangitane, Ngati Apa and Ngati Kauwhata).

They also symbolise the three points of the Polynesian triangle (Hawaii, Rapa Nui/Easter Island and Aotearoa).

The curved lines of the kōwhaiwhai pattern that have been used in our tohu is the Kōwhai-Ngutu-Kākā that refers to the plant.

This plant is a symbol of Spring.

It refers to the symbolism of growth, and flourishing.

This symbolises the child who not only grows but flourishes in all aspects of their life.

This pattern also refers to a similar pattern used in Te Rangimārie Marae. The Kōwhai-Ngutu-Kākā also represents communication between the taiao (taiao speaks to the natural environment that contains and surrounds us. It encompasses all of the environment and its offspring. Because we are born of the earth and it is born of us, we have an eternal connection to taiao – the earth, sky, air, water and life that is all interdependent)

When the Kōwhai-Ngutu-Kākā flowers, it symbolises a time when the ocean is also changing, so it can represent kōrero taiao (communication), learning, sharing of knowledge, passing on stories and narratives.

It also symbolises the legends and the histories of this area, as well as the narratives that we bring with us (Personal/Family/Tribal).