Kaiako Spotlight – Wharenui Hawera

I te taha o tōku mama

Ko Taupiri te maunga

Ko Waikato te awa 

Ko Tainui te waka

Ko Ngatai e Rua me Ooraeroa ōku Marae

Ko Ngāti Tipa te Hapu

Ko Waikato te iwi

I te taha o tōku papa 

Ko Putauaki te maunga

Ko Ohinemataroa te awa

Ko Rewatu tōku Marae

Ko Mataatua te waka

Ko Ngāti Tamapare te Hapu

Ko Ngāti Awa te Iwi

Ko Wharenui Hawera tōku ingoa.

Tēnā koutou katoa, I would like to introduce our newest kaiako Reo Māori, Matua Wharenui Hawera. 

Matua Wharenui was born and raised here in Kirikiriroa, and is a former student of Peachgrove Intermediate and St Peters Cambridge.  

We are very fortunate to have Matua Wharenui teaching junior Te Reo Māori here at Tihipuke.  Matua started at the beginning of term 3 and brings a wealth of experience not only in Te Ao Māori me ngā tikanga but Te Reo Māori as well.    

Before starting at Hillcrest, Matua Wharenui was a professional rugby player having played for Waikato, Southland, Canberra Vikings, ACT Brumbies, Kubota Spears Funabashi Toyko Bay, Montauban and Bay of Plenty.   He is a current member of Marist Rugby Club.  

Matua is passionate about Te Reo Māori.  “My wife and I moved home to New Zealand so our children could be raised in their Māori culture, identity and Reo”.  

Outside of the classroom, Matua is very whānau orientated.  He enjoys spending time at the papa tākaro (playground), working out at the MOVEMENT NZ and relaxing with his wife and tamariki.