The Makauri Story
Our Place. Our School.
The origins of the name ‘Makauri’
“The area Makauri, as much as the rest of Poverty Bay Flats was covered in vast stands of Kahikatea or Makauri trees. The Makauri tree, as legend has it, originated from Hawaiki, and was originally a feather from the great bird of Ruakapanga. The feather was plucked and dropped onto Ariel Reef. The iwi Te Aitanga a Mahaki use the Makauri tree as a tribal emblem”. A mosaic seat at the front of the school tells the story of the above legend.
Over the years we have added to our knowledge of the legend with many elaborations. We are grateful for the support of the local Runanga for developing and sharing their stories with our staff, students and community, including the Makauri Story.
A mosaic seat at the front of the school tells the legend of the Makauri Tree, which gives its name to the school. Ask a student or staff member to tell you the legend.
The Makauri Song
Makauri te kura e
Ko Horouta te waka
Waipuna te maunga
Mangamoteo te awa
Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki
Makauri te kura e
Nau mai haere mai, nga iwi katoa
Tenei te mihi atu, mai nga tamariki
Makauri te kura e
Makauri te kura e