Last week, students from the Year 12 and 13 Te Reo Māori classes stepped into the role of teachers, sharing their knowledge and language skills with Carmel College staff. The session introduced staff to Poutama Reo, a new te reo Māori learning programme that will be rolled out across the school next term.
Poutama Reo is a structured language initiative designed to encourage the learning and use of te reo Māori, tikanga Māori, prayer, and waiata across everyday school life. The programme provides a clear pathway for learners at all levels, with four stages of progression recognised through achievement badges.
From the beginning of Term 3, all staff and students will be invited to complete a beginner-level assessment titled Ngā Uri a Tāne. This is the first of four levels within the programme, each supported by learning resources and rewarded with a badge that reflects progression in te reo Māori proficiency and cultural knowledge.
Each assessment includes a short set of questions and will be marked by senior Te Reo Māori students, alongside a group of junior students and staff. The programme is designed to be supportive and accessible, encouraging participation and growth at all levels.
Poutama Reo has been generously shared with Carmel College by Whaea Brianne Te Paa and Kaia Morehu of Kaipara College. With their blessing, Carmel is proud to introduce this initiative as part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening te reo Māori and tikanga Māori across the school community.
The four stages of the programme are:
- Ngā Uri a Tāne (Beginner level)
- Te Waiora
- Te Ahi Kōmau
- Te Toi Huarewa
Each stage represents a step forward in language learning and cultural understanding, supporting students and staff to grow in confidence and capability.
Poutama Reo is more than a language programme—it is an opportunity for the whole school community to learn together, celebrate te ao Māori, and strengthen our shared identity at Carmel College.
