Karakia for Te Koare

Image shows rangatahi walking through building to bless it while touching the walls

December 7, 2020

No Comments

1492

It was a special day on Wednesday and an early start for InZone rangatahi, whānau, partners and supporters as we blessed our new building, Te Koare, on our Owens Road property with a dawn service led by mana whenua, kaumatua and kuia from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei (NWO). See the photos on our Facebook page here

After karakia, the kaumatua explained the property’s history of serving Māori education as well as the meaning behind the name ‘Te Koare’, which means the kauri sapling. According to Pairama Mu (Ngāti Whātua tupuna from the early 1900’s), ‘Te Koare’ is the ancient name of the area where Auckland Grammar School is located. The area was known to Māori as a place where the young kauri sapling (koare) grew. The koare represents InZone rangatahi in their pursuit of success academically, culturally, and socially, while upholding the values of school, whānau and iwi as they grow into successful Māori & Pasifika who are confident and competent in the two worlds of Te Ao Māori and Te Ao Pākehā. The ancient spirit of the kauri reminds us that it takes courage to attain our goals. A kauri signals a time of taking action in the pursuit of these goals. A grown kauri, is also a sign of a strong chief, which connects to the InZone whakataukī – Me rangatira te tū – carry yourself like a leader. It also reflects the role of kauri as a canopy tree which nurtures all those underneath. ‘Te Koare’ also acknowledges Sir Rob Fenwick as he was a strong rangatira for the protection of the environment. He also saw the importance of nurturing the native trees of Aotearoa, much like the InZone mission to inspire and support Māori and Pasifika (the young saplings) to excel.

Te Koare has been built thanks to the funding of one generous benefactor and endless hours spent by supporters coordinating the construction efforts and overcoming challenges presented by COVID-19. We are grateful also to our neighbours who have exercised a lot of patience throughout the (noisy) process. Rangatahi are really looking forward to moving into the new whare in 2021. The large wharekai will mean all rangatahi will eat together as the girls from Lovelock Ave come to Owens Road for dinner and the lounge spaces will also open up a lot more opportunity to get everyone together for activities and further strengthen the bond as whānau.

Tēnā rawa atu koutou to everyone who has contributed to Te Koare. We look forward to celebrating in the new year!