Tuakana / Teina

The Tuakana-Teina relationship, an integral part of traditional maori society, provides a model for buddy systems.  An older or more expert tuakana (brother, sister, cousin) helps and guides a younger and less expert teina (traditionally a younger sibling or cousin of the same gender).   

Tuakana/teina refers to the relationship between an older (tuakana) person and a younger (teina) person. Our older children mentor our younger ones (the tuakana has the knowledge and content to pass on to the teina). Home bases of varied ages are buddied together to support the growth and understanding of our values of community, respect and manaakitanga. A range of learning opportunities take place across the year to promote this system.

New Entrant pupils are assigned an individual buddy whom they will meet during their pre-entry visits. This person helps them settle into school life. They meet them at their home base and offer support in the playground.