Te Kura o Rangiriri 

Kupu Whakataki

Te Kura o Rangiriri is a Kura ā-Iwi, a full immersion Te Reo Māori kura, located in the historic village of Rangiriri, between Te Kauwhata and Huntly, just off State Highway 1. Established in 1887, the kura moved to its former site in 1920.

Rangiriri is a place of great historical significance. It was the site of the Battle of Rangiriri in 1863, where Waikato tūpuna fought to defend their lands during the British invasion. The remains of Rangiriri Pā and the maiororo (trenches) still stand as powerful reminders of the resistance and determination of our people. These battle sites are sacred, holding the memories of those who fought to protect their whenua.

Among the leaders during this time was Te Wheoro, a respected rangatira and military leader. He later became an advocate for Māori rights, navigating the challenges that came after the war. His role in both resistance and diplomacy is an important part of our history.

In the local urupā, a mass, unmarked grave holds the tūpuna who lost their lives in the battle. This is a place of deep remembrance, where we acknowledge the sacrifices made by our ancestors. Each year, many people from across Aotearoa and beyond visit Rangiriri to learn about this pivotal time in our history.

Our kura stands on this whenua, carrying forward the legacy of our tūpuna. The following tongi was prophesied during the time of Kīngi Tāwhiao, the second Māori King, as he led his people through the hardship that followed the Waikato land confiscations:

"Nau te pahua i au i tēnei rangi, kei au āpōpō.
 Kei ngā tōpito e whā o te ao ōku nei hoa
 Ka wheeke, ka wheeke, i ngā rā o Mātiti."

These words, spoken during the Waikato land invasions, remind us of the determination of our tūpuna:

"Today, you invade my world.
 Tomorrow, the opportunity is mine.
 My allies await at the four corners of the world.
 And soon, we will rise again."

As a Kura ā-Iwi, Te Kura o Rangiriri is committed to upholding the values, history, and identity of our people. We continue this journey, ensuring that our tamariki grow up with te reo Māori, tikanga, and the legacy of our tūpuna, standing strong on the whenua they once defended.