Rau Kumara, Rau Tangata

The bilingual unit was born here at Kawakawa Primary School on the 6th April 1987. The intention was to nurture and grow Te Reo me ona tikanga within Kawakawa Primary School. During its time successive staff of the bilingual unit breathed life and essence into its existence and quite often was faced with challenges and would often have increased scrutiny placed upon it.

This environment our kaiako were faced with led them to becoming strong leaders and motivators towards the longevity of the bilingual unit, known in its early time as Whānau Pīpī and Whānau Pakari. The bilingual unit quickly grew in time to which classroom sizes soared to 35 children with 1 kaiako and ranging from standard 4 to form 2 (Year 6 – Year 8). Over time this unit within the school led all cultural and sporting achievements in competitions with neighbouring schools. It saw the unit grow, challenging its mainstream counterparts as the demand from whānau for their tamariki to enter the bilingual unit increased. The demand was such that at its peak it had 5 kaiako, 5 teacher aides with approximately 120 tamariki. 

As the bilingual unit grew, so did the aspiration and desire to have a school marae. Fundraising efforts were regular with the bilingual unit devoting a lot of time and energy fundraising for this. Once financially achieved, an offer was placed on an old Affco building, it was secured and brought to the school property and renovated to become the schools Wharenui – Tumanako and Wharekai – Te Puna Atawhai. During that time the bilingual unit held its credibility having occupied the neighbouring classrooms either side of the marae complex. 

The bilingual unit continued to shine, however was always scrutinised leaving our kaiako exhausted and tired.

The sacred footprints – The recognition of longevity and commitment our kaiako have endured for the survival of our bilingual unit. This collage captures our past and present kaiako. Their absolute relationship to the life essence of the bilingual unit. It was never intended that this bilingual unit be different from the rest of the school, however its true intention was to reflect and normalise the dense populist of Māori tamariki enrolled at Kawakawa Primary School.