We are pleased to welcome Te Reo Māori teacher, Matua Watene, to Onehunga High School.
Matua Watene brings a strong commitment to the preservation and everyday use of Te Reo Māori. His approach is grounded in Mana Motuhake (self‑determination), and he believes Te Reo should be part of daily life rather than something learned only in the classroom. As he explains, “When we normalise the language, it becomes a natural part of both school and home life. Language is central to culture.” He is passionate about helping students recognise that Te Reo provides a meaningful pathway into Te Ao Māori, supporting them to better understand cultural traditions, protocols, and identity.
Alongside his philosophy, Matua Watene brings an impressive range of educational experience. He has completed Te Reo Māori study from Levels 1 through 7, culminating in a Bachelor of Teaching (Kura Kaupapa Māori). He has taught reo and tikanga in a variety of settings, including as a Te Ara Reo Māori kaiako with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and as a Pouāwhina with Te Kei o Te Waka Tainui, where he supported wānanga, karakia, and Māori cultural programmes across Auckland. His teaching practicums at kura such as Hoani Waititi, Ngā Maungarongo, Kōtuku, Te Raki Paewhenua, Ngā Puna o Waiōrea, and at King’s College, have given him a broad understanding of both kaupapa Māori and mainstream education. This combination of advanced study, hands‑on teaching practice, and community engagement makes him a strong addition to our school.
Matua Watene speaks proudly of his daughters, who have grown up with the natural integration of Māori culture and language in their learning and sense of heritage, values that influence his teaching and his belief in creating authentic pathways for students to connect with their identity.
His presence at OHS will strengthen our school’s wairua and offer students opportunities to engage more deeply with Te Reo Māori and Māori culture. We are excited about the contribution he will make to our kura and the cultural richness he brings to our community.
“Ko tōku reo tōku ohooho, ko tōku reo tōku māpihi maurea.” My language is my awakening, my language is the ornament of my soul.
