Our People | Te Wharekura o te Kaokaoroa o Pātetere

Meet the Heads of our Kura

Hana-Maraea Maika

Head Girl

Poutiriao Vaka

Head Boy

Tū mai awa, tū mai moana, ko koe takahia noatia e au.

Hoatu taku waka ki uta, hoatu taku waka ki tai.

Tēnei taku waka ka whakairihia.

E tū ana ki te taumata o Aorangi e tū takotako rā

Ka titiro whakararo iho ki taku iwi o Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa i runga i te waka o Tākitimu

e rere ana i ngā wai karekare o Ruamahanga. Tērā te pūkohu tākiri kua tau ki runga i a Koinaki maunga e tū mahuta rā, ko ngā uri o Ngāti Porou tērā e hoe ana i te waka o Horouta

I te wai mōhinuhinu o Harataunga.

Ko Hana-Maraea Maika tenei e mihi atu nei.

As Head Girl of Te Wharekura o Te Kaokaoroa o Pātetere, I am not only honoured to represent our kura, but I am also able to enjoy, thrive, and excel in the many opportunities our kura offers. The thing I value most about our kura is the high level of achievement we strive for, along with the skill and knowledge our kaiako hold and pass down to us, ensuring we are equipped to leave with success. The focus on Te Ao Māori is second to none, and the hard work and commitment shown by our kura play a significant role in shaping who we are.

Our kura upholds our three pou through every aspect of our learning, ensuring we grow in mātauranga, hākinakina, and ngā mahi a rehia. Through mātauranga, I have been challenged to achieve to a high standard, and I hope to leave knowing I gave my best and finished with excellence. Through hākinakina, I have developed resilience, discipline, and a strong sense of wellbeing. Through ngā mahi a rehia, I have strengthened my connection to my reo, tikanga, and culture, while also learning the true value of teamwork, commitment, and loyalty. These three pou have shaped who I am, and they are values I carry with me and strive to remain consistent with in everything I do.

Throughout my years of being here, I have gained so much, but most importantly, I have gained a new whanau and a deep respect for those who have shaped me into the leader I am today, at this kura and for this kura. To me, the most special and meaningful thing about Te Wharekura o Te Kaokaoroa o Pātetere is that we are unapologetically Māori in every sense. Our culture, values, and identity are not only acknowledged, but celebrated and woven into every part of our learning and way of being.

Bring on 2026!

Tērā te haeta e tākiri ana mai ki runga i a Tiheia e tū panepane rā, Ka whitingia tōna auheke e ngā hihi o Tama kia tae rāanō ki taku wai tuku kiri o Awahou. Ka whakaterea taku waka o Te Arawa, e te iwi o Te Arawa. Ka kotahi atu ai te tauihu ki te marae o Tarimano, Ko Ngāti Rangiwewehi tēnei e mihi atu ana.

Being at Te Wharekura o Te Kaokaoroa o Pātetere has been one of the most important parts of my life because it has shaped not only how I learn, but who I am as a person. This kura is more than what’s been shown on the media, it is a place where I feel a genuine sense of belonging and connection.

From a young age, I’ve been surrounded by te reo Māori, tikanga, and Māori values, which has allowed me to grow with confidence in my identity and pride in my culture. Learning in this environment has helped me understand where I come from and why that matters.

What makes this kura special to me is the whānau-based environment. The relationships between students, kaiako, and whānau are real and meaningful. The kaiako don’t just see us as students; they take the time to know us personally, support us when things are challenging. There is a strong sense of responsibility and care for one another, which makes the kura feel safe and motivating.

Being immersed in Māori culture every day has also taught me important values such as manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, and rangatiratanga. These values guide how I treat others and how I carry myself in different situations. I’ve gained confidence speaking, leading, and standing in front of others.

This kura has helped prepare me to walk confidently in both te ao Māori and the wider world, knowing who I am and what I stand for. Overall, Te Wharekura o Te Kaokaoroa o Pātetere has played a huge role in shaping my identity, confidence, and future aspirations, and it is a place I will always be proud to represent.

MEET OUR PEOPLE

Meet our Board of Trustees

Our Board of Trustees is dedicated to removing barriers to education and to provide all students with a safe environment to learn, grow and embrace our character school through Te Reo Māori.

Arama Ngapo
Parent Representative

Tina Johnson

Parent Representative

Keith Silveira

Principal

Kyle Amopiu
Board Chairman

Greg Brown

Elected Member

April Silveira

Staff Representative

Management

Meet our Senior Management team

Our senior management team work closely together to ensure our kura runs safely and smoothly whilst striving to provide the best education possible for all tamariki that attend our kura.

Keith Silveira
Principal

Veronica Tiatoa

Assistant Principal

HOD - Kura Tuatahi

Tania Martin

Assistant Principal

HOD - Wharekura

April Silveira
Deputy Principal

Aaron Koopu
Associate Principal

Teachers

Meet our Teaching team

Here are our knowledgable and friendly teaching staff who are the core of our kura. We are very fortunate to have an array of teachers dedicated to nurturing all tamariki with specific learning programmes to help progress all of their learning needs.