Te Tautarinui o Matariki

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The Board of Trustees – Te Pā o Rākaihautū

The name given to the Board of Trustees of Te Pā o Rākaihautū is Te Tautarinui o Matariki.

This name draws from the traditions of Rākaihautū, who navigated his waka Uruao to new lands guided by the stars. According to these traditions, the stars were divided among the atua (gods), each presiding over their own division of the sky. One such division was known as Te Tautarinui o Matariki.

At Te Pā, the Kaiurungi is the navigator—the one steering our waka. Te Tautarinui’s role is to provide strategic direction, ensuring the Kaiurungi has clear reference points—like the stars Rākaihautū used—to guide their course.

These guiding stars take the form of Te Pā’s Strategic Plan which includes Te Pae Tawhiti - Our Mission, Vision and Goals ; Te Pae tata - where we are now on our journey; and our values - those things that guide how we behave on our waka.  The Board also responsible for ensuring we have clear policies to keep our whānau and kaimahi safe and ensure a smooth journey. 

Without stars, a navigator cannot navigate. With Te Tautarinui providing direction, and the Kaiurungi navigating, the role of the Kaihautū is to work alongside the Kaiurungi to steer and manage the waka on its journey.

 
Board Appointments
Board elections are held every three years and we are due for another round of elections this year in 2025. But the process differs from that of most schools. Te Pā operates under an Alternative Constitution. https://gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2017-go2419

Five members of Te Tautarinui are appointed by Nōku Te Ao Charitable Trust, the founding body of the school.
Two members are nominated by ngā mātua (whānau) and appointed by Te Pae Kōkōraki, an independent selection panel. 

Meet our current Te Tautarinui o Matariki  2022 - 2025

Te Tautarinui benefits from the expertise of its members who bring a wealth of experience and expertise in iwi leadership, senior management, governance, project management, finance, capability development, HR, te reo and tikanga Māori, as well as education. Biography’s of the members of Te Tautarinui are available upon request.