“If someone was to ask me what ought we do in terms of Māori development, I would like to see more close development in and around our marae, because I can see the value it has.” Tania Rangiheuea, Waatea School Principal.

Waatea School and Early Childhood Centre is located onsite at Ngā Whare Waatea and is a hugely important part of our Marae and MUMA whānau whānui. The combination of a distinctively Māori physical environment embracing a place of learning has not only enriched the lives of the tamariki, but also all others who exist within the Marae compound.

Tania Rangiheuea, the Principal, is a long time educationalist and advocate for Māori academic success and ensures achievement for our people occur no matter what the pathway. Here Tania talks about the challenges of setting up Waatea School, the visionary process that took place, and the School's commitment to take on emotional intelligence as a core theme for tamariki and teachers alike.