Kia ora whanau,
in Kotuku this term, we will be learning a whakatauki every week and having discussions about what they mean, how it relates to the boys in kotuku and the importance of each whakatauki. Please encourage and remind your tamariki to learn these at home for 10-15 minutes every night.
Each class in Te Whanau Awhina is named after a bird. Room 22 represents the Kotuku or White Heron.
He kotuku rerenga tahi
A White heron flies once
This is used on an occasion when something very special and unusual takes place.
WHAKATAUKI TO BE LEARNT OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS.
Waiho ma te tangata e mihi
Leave your praises for someone else
Again referring to humbleness.
E kore te patiki e hoki ki tona puehu
The flounder (fish) does not return to his dust
Do not make the same mistake twice.
Ahakoa he iti he pounamu
Although it is small, it is greenstone
This is a humble way to deliver a small gift. Greenstone (jade) is an extremely useful commodity which is considered very precious, so although you may not be presenting greenstone, the word pounamu stands as a metaphor for something precious or a treasure from the heart.
E hoa ma, ina te ora o te tangata
My friends, this is the essence of life
This proverb is an exclamation which can be used when someone is surprised or satisfied. Generally used at the dinner table from a guest who is appreciative of the meal he has received.
