Wāhine Leadership at the Forefront of a New Chapter for Ngāti Toa School
Tucked into a peaceful corner of Titahi Bay, along the snake-gully edge of Pōpōterūrū, sits a small but special kura, Ngāti Toa School. Nestled beside Takapūwāhia Pā, it holds a unique place in Aotearoa as the only mainstream school named after an iwi and gifted by Ngāti Toa kaunihera kaumātua. Long treasured by its community yet often considered a hidden gem, the kura is now stepping quietly into its next phase of growth.
With around 120 tamariki and a team of dedicated kaiako, Ngāti Toa School has experienced a revival over the past six months. New leadership, growing iwi involvement, and renewed energy are shaping a strong and vibrant future for the kura.
At the heart of this momentum is a newly confirmed Kura Board with strong wāhine representation and deep Ngāti Toa connections. With almost the entire board made up of iwi members, there is a clear sense of shared purpose and commitment to seeing the kura thrive as a place where tamariki feel loved, safe, and culturally connected. The kura has also welcomed a new Tumuaki, Crystal Southey-Willis (Kai Tahu, Ngāti Porou), and Tumuaki Tuarua Jasmine Arthur (Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Tama, Ngāti Maniapoto, Aitutaki), bringing fresh leadership and guiding the kura confidently into its next phase of growth.
While still one of the community's best-kept secrets, aspirations for Ngāti Toa School are high. There is a bold vision for the future, including the establishment of rūmaki reo pathways, a taiao-focused kura-wide curriculum, authentic iwi relationships, and meaningful contribution to the wider education ecosystem of Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira.
Part of the magic of the kura lies in its setting. The grounds sit alongside regenerating native bush, giving tamariki space to learn and play in a natural environment that supports kaitiakitanga. The kura also boasts a swimming pool, a project made possible through the dedication and support of whānau fundraisers.
New Board Chair Aimee Rei-Bishop says Ngāti Toa School has always held a special place in the hearts of iwi members and generations of alumni:
“For me and my whānau, Ngāti Toa School is part of our story. My parents attended here, I went to school here, and now my kids have as well. It really does feel like our school. I’m excited about what the future holds.”
New Tumuaki Tuarua Jasmine Arthur adds:
“Ka rongo i te aroha me te wairua hūmārie ki tēnei kura. I feel very grateful to be part of this journey and am excited for our iwi, whānau, and hapori. Nōkū te whiwhi kia ū mai ki tēnei kura ki te tautoko i te whakatutukinga o ngā moemoeā a te iwi.”
Tumuaki Crystal Southey-Willis says:
“The time is right for Ngāti Toa School to strengthen its alignment with the aspirations of iwi. The commitment from kaiako to ensure our tamariki feel loved and safe is strongly felt across the kura, and the focus now is on creating strong pathways for tamariki to thrive in Te Ao Māori.”
It’s an exciting time for Ngāti Toa. With iwi exploring and growing education pathways that support uri across a range of learning settings, the kura is helping create stronger connections between whānau, hapori, and iwi aspirations for future generations.
All tamariki will have the opportunity to strengthen their sense of belonging on the whenua of Ngāti Toa Rangatira, embrace their tuakiritanga, and grow with the knowledge, stories, and aspirations of mana whenua. There is a strong sense of momentum and possibility, and many are excited to see how these opportunities continue to grow and evolve for our people.
Ngāti Toa School is moving confidently into the future.