Building Lasting Connections with Stanley Avenue School

Over the past few years, Ngāti Tumutumu Trust has been building a meaningful relationship with Stanley Avenue School, from shared Matariki celebrations to supporting the unveiling of their school whakataukī.

This relationship grew even deeper this year when we were approached by Di and Whaea Adreena, asking whether we could help create taonga for their tamariki. Together with the school, including ideas from the students themselves, we explored what this kaupapa could look like and what it would mean for us as Ngāti Tumutumu.

We are incredibly fortunate to have Ben Whitaker, one of our own and a skilled kaiwhakairo, as part of our team. Ben took on the task of designing and carving these taonga with aroha, intent, and deep respect for our tikanga.

On Friday 5 December, Ngāti Tumutumu Trust, alongside whānau and supporters, were proud to return to Stanley Avenue School to present these taonga ahead of their end-of-year prizegiving.

For us, this wasn’t just about gifting taonga.

It was about strengthening the connection between our iwi and our local schools, ensuring our presence is felt in our rohe, and supporting shared outcomes that uplift both our tamariki and our community.

He hononga, he aroha, he tohu rangatira mō āpōpō.

These relationships shape our identity, deepen our roots, and help us move forward together.

Mauri ora ki a tātou katoa.