Nau mai haere mai, Welcome to Makauri School, where tradition and history blend seamlessly with modern education. As you stand at our entrance, you are greeted by a vibrant and meaningful feature that represents more than just a decorative piece—it embodies the heart and soul of our school’s heritage. This entranceway is inspired by the revered Makauri story, Mahakirau, a tale that holds deep significance for our kura (school) and community.

The colorful feature you see here symbolizes the feather plucked from Hāro-ngā-rangi, one of the great birds of Ruakapanga. According to the legend, this feather grew into a Kahikatea or Makauri tree under the ocean floor. This extraordinary tree was eventually retrieved and planted, blossoming into a magnificent forest known as Makauri. This forest became a cornerstone for the people of the time, providing sustenance, shelter and a deep connection to their surroundings.

At Makauri School, we cherish this story as it reflects our values and the importance we place on our cultural heritage. The tale of Mahakirau and the Kahikatea tree is a powerful reminder of growth, resilience, and the interconnectedness of our community. It symbolizes how something small, like a feather, can develop into something grand and significant, much like the potential we see in each of our students.

The entranceway feature is not just a nod to the past but a beacon for the future. It stands as a testament to our commitment to nurturing the talents and abilities of our students, helping them grow into individuals who contribute positively to society. We honour the people and places acknowledged in the Mahakirau story, understanding that our roots are essential to our identity and progress.

As you walk through our entrance, we invite you to reflect on the rich history and the values it represents. We are proud to share this piece of our story with you, and we hope it inspires a sense of belonging and pride in our shared cultural heritage. Welcome to Makauri School, where every step forward is guided by the wisdom and strength of our past.

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 (White Pine). The Makauri tree, as legend has it, originated from Hawaiki, and was originally a feather from one of the great birds of Ruakapanga. A feather was plucked and dropped into the ocean at Toka-ahuru more commonly known as Ariel Reef.  

Over the years we have added to our knowledge of the legend with many elaborations. We are grateful for the support of the local team at TROTAK (Te Runganga o Turanganui a kiwa) for developing and sharing these stories with our staff, students and community, including the Makauri Story (Mahakirau - see below).

A mosaic seat at the front of the school tells the story of the legend. The multicoloured feature at the front entrance of the school symbolises the feathers that were plucked from the bird of Rukapanga that grew into the Makauri tree. 

The people and places from this story are of great significance to our school and you will find them woven through the learning that we do here.