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As part of our ongoing commitment to honouring the diverse cultures of Aotearoa, our students recently visited the Auckland War Memorial Museum to participate in the Māori Cultural Experience – Living Taonga. This enriching and powerful visit gave our learners a first-hand connection with the beauty, resilience, and traditions of Māori culture.

The word taonga means “treasure” in te reo Māori — and this cultural encounter truly was just that. Guided by respected Māori artists and orators, students were immersed in the stories, songs, and customs that continue to shape Aotearoa today.

From the moment we entered the whare, the experience was deeply moving. We were welcomed with waiata (song), and many students were amazed at the grace and skill shown in traditional poi performances. The storytelling that accompanied these performances gave depth and meaning, showing how each art form is connected to whakapapa (genealogy), identity, and wairua (spirit).

One of the most unforgettable moments was learning about the haka — a powerful ceremonial dance known globally, yet often misunderstood. Students discovered the origins of haka, the different forms it can take, and its place within Māori traditions. Rather than simply being a war dance, we learnt how haka can express emotion, mark significant events, and unify people through shared expression and purpose.

Throughout the experience, our students were encouraged to reflect on the strength and endurance of Māori communities through colonisation, change, and ongoing revitalisation. It was a reminder that Māori culture is not something of the past, but a living taonga — vibrant, evolving, and deeply woven into the future of Aotearoa.

The visit sparked meaningful kōrero (discussion) back in the classroom. Many students expressed a newfound respect for the richness of Māori heritage and the importance of upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi in everyday life.

Ngā mihi nui to the team at Auckland Museum for creating such an inclusive and heartfelt experience. Our journey into living taonga was more than a field trip — it was a step towards cultural understanding, respect, and connection.

As part of our commitment to holistic learning and student wellbeing, our Health & Wellbeing (Level 4) students recently embarked on an enriching wellness trip to Rotorua—an immersive experience that brought classroom concepts to life through exploration, reflection, and connection.

Grounded in the principles of hauora, this journey was more than just a field trip. It was a hands-on opportunity to observe and experience the impact of environment, accessibility, and public health spaces on personal and community wellbeing.

Our Journey: A Walk Through Rotorua’s Healing Landscapes

We began our visit with a walk through the historic Government Gardens, where the blend of heritage, wellness facilities, and public access provided a tangible example of how health and environment are woven into community life. Students noted the importance of culturally safe and accessible spaces that promote wellbeing for all New Zealanders.

Next, at Kuirau Park, we explored the geothermal wonders of Rotorua’s natural environment. The students observed how public green spaces are designed for inclusive access, enabling whānau and communities to engage with nature and enjoy safe, open environments for physical activity and rest.

At the edge of Lake Rotorua, a moment of quiet reflection allowed students to connect with the whenua (land) and wairua (spirit), further strengthening their understanding of the emotional and spiritual dimensions of hauora. The calm waters served as a backdrop for kōrero about the role of natural spaces in mental health and recovery.

We concluded our visit in the serene Whakarewarewa Forest, walking among towering redwoods and inhaling the pure, earthy air. Students reflected on the therapeutic benefits of natural spaces, linking this to mental wellbeing and stress reduction—key areas of learning in our programme.

Whakawhanaungatanga in Action

Throughout the day, whakawhanaungatanga was central to the experience. Students bonded through shared experiences, open discussions, and laughter, building strong peer relationships that support learning and personal growth.

This wellness trip wasn’t just a break from the classroom—it was a purposeful learning journey. Students returned with a deeper appreciation for holistic health, enriched by real-world observations and a strengthened sense of their future role in promoting wellbeing within Aotearoa.

Ngā mihi nui to our amazing ākonga (students) for their enthusiasm and engagement throughout the trip. Rotorua gifted us more than beautiful sights—it offered a renewed understanding of wellness, connection, and the healing power of nature.

As part of our cultural learning journey, our group had the privilege of visiting a local marae—a pivotal experience that brought te ao Māori (the Māori world) to life in a truly immersive and meaningful way. This site visit was not just educational but transformative, offering us a deeper appreciation for Māori customs, values, and protocols in their authentic context.

From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was one of reverence and respect. We were formally welcomed onto the marae with a pōwhiri, a traditional ceremony that marked our transition from manuhiri (visitors) to honoured guests. The call of the karanga, performed by a kuia (elder woman) of the tangata whenua (hosts), resonated deeply. It served as a spiritual invitation, acknowledging our arrival and connecting us to the land and ancestors. Following the karanga, the whaikōrero (oratory speeches) were delivered by kaumātua (elders), reinforcing the significance of the occasion and the importance of tikanga—the correct customs and protocols to be observed on marae grounds.

A moment of profound connection came with the hongi, the traditional Māori greeting where people press noses to symbolically share the breath of life. Participating in this ritual offered us more than just a cultural insight—it provided a tangible sense of unity and mutual respect.

Inside the wharenui (meeting house), we were surrounded by stories. The walls were adorned with symbolic artwork, each detail carrying its own whakapapa (genealogy) and kōrero tuku iho (ancestral stories). Our hosts shared the meaning behind these taonga (treasures), showing us how identity, history, and spirituality are embedded in every aspect of the marae’s design. These narratives weren’t just told—they were felt. Through this, we came to understand how the Māori worldview sees people, land, and ancestors as inextricably linked.

Beyond listening and observing, we were encouraged to participate in hands-on activities grounded in Māori values. Whether it was learning waiata (songs), understanding the roles of different iwi (tribes), or contributing to shared kai (food), each experience reinforced the central concept of whanaungatanga—the sense of kinship and belonging that binds communities together.

This marae visit was more than a cultural field trip—it was an act of manaakitanga (hospitality and care) from our hosts and a deeply enriching experience for us as learners. It reminded us that understanding culture is not something achieved through reading alone, but through respectful participation, open-mindedness, and heartfelt engagement.

We leave the marae not just with more knowledge, but with greater empathy, a deeper connection to the people of Aotearoa, and a renewed commitment to honouring te Tiriti o Waitangi in our everyday practice.

Congratulations to all our amazing students who participated in the visit!

Last week, we proudly celebrated the graduation of our very first Trades Academy students! The event was marked with a heartfelt ceremony and a enjoyable lunch in our campus student lounge.

This year, we offered Trades Academies in Health & Wellbeing and Business, welcoming high school students from across Auckland to our Crown campus every Wednesday since mid-February.

Congratulations to all our amazing students!

Trades academies are secondary-tertiary programmes that provide senior secondary students access to a broad range of trades or technology learning opportunities to ensure they stay engaged in education. Trades academies are funded by the Ministry of Education. For information about our 2025 trades academies visit https://crown.ac.nz/trades-academies/