Local Focus: Words are not enough for Flaxmere College

It's Māori Language Week and words are not enough at Flaxmere College.

With a roll of 86 per cent Māori, te reo is already an integral part of school life, so this week is full of activities.

"Te reo Māori is part of our daily life here at the kura – for our students – it is who we are," principal Louise Anaru said.

"When it is Māori Language Week it gives us an opportunity to take it to another level and celebrate as a whole community.

On Wednesday local primary schools competed in a Parekura tournament.

Head of Year 9 Matua Tangira said the game was derived from mau rākau – Māori weaponry.

Participants have a short stick and a long stick, attempting to strike the long stick of opponents with their own short stick.

"It is about knowing your surroundings and working as a team."

The week of celebration culminates with a whole-school hangi on Friday, thanks to food donated by the community.

"It has just been wonderful to see our students have that real sense of pride and being able to celebrate their language and culture."

Made with funding from