The Dio Difference

Taa Dio motuhaketanga

Kaupapa Māori

Kaupapa Māori at Dio is whānau based and whānau focused. Inclusive of Te Reo Māori me ōna tīkanga and kapa haka, students gain a sense of pride and belonging under the leadership of our Amokura (Māori prefect) and her Mana Wāhine council.

Our school year starts with the whole school pōwhiri by our kapa haka group to welcome new staff and students. This is followed by the annual Cuppa at the Kura evening for new and existing whānau to meet and greet.    

At the beginning of term two, all Year 11 students attend camp at Tūrangawaewae Marae in Ngāruawāhia, home to one of our most famous old girls, the late Māori Queen, Te Arikinui, Dame Te Atairangikaahu. This very spiritual camp aims to help students understand more about Kaupapa Māori, which is underpinned by Tainuitanga, and experienced in the very heart of the Kingitanga.
In term three, we celebrate Māori Language Week, and our annual Whānau Dinner showcases students' achievements and successes of the year in the concept of whanaungatanga.