Ko Rākaihautū te takata nānā i tīmata te ahi ki ruka i te whenua.

Koia ko raparapa, koia te kaihautū, koia te takata.

He tipua he taniwha, he tipua he takata.

Rākaihautū lit the fires of occupation in Te Waipounamu and with his kō carved out the lakes throughout the island. He was an explorer, a leader, a scientist, an astronomer and a gardener. We want to grow the next generation of explorers, leaders, gardeners and navigators - culturally grounded, connected, smart, taiao literate, pā kids - Tū ki te ao, tau ana!

Te Pā o Rākaihautū is a unique 21st century pā wānanga (learning village) committed to educational success for the whole whanau, from early childhood, primary and secondary schooling to tertiary education, on the one site.

Te Pā o Rākaihautū opened in January 2015. We are the first Kura ā Iwi in Te Waipounamu and a Sec 156 designated character school, the school that whānau built - Mā te whānau, mō te whānau - by the whānau for the whānau! In the process we are redefining how, where and when the best learning happens for our whanau. 

Te Pā does this by restoring culture, connection and Identity as a foundation to educational success; reconnecting our whanau with our places; communities; history and traditions; re-igniting a passion for learning; and pushing the reset button on Māori educational achievement.

Welcome to our website! We hope you will be able to navigate your way around easily and find what you need. Keep checking in as new articles and information will be posted regularly including pānui (check in the puna blogs), current newsletters and blog updates.