Leading from the front issuu

MARAENUI
BILINGUAL SCHOOL —
TRAILBLAZER
Maraenui Bilingual School has a long and proud
history. It was established 63 years ago and 33
years ago became the first bilingual school in
Aotearoa. Principal Christopher Worsley says the
school had huge foresight to focus on retaining Te
Reo.
There are two streams, or whānau, at the school,
the Rūmaki whānau which is total immersion with
five classes available, and the bilingual whānau
which runs four classes. According to Christopher,
Te Reo holds the key to New Zealanders coming
to value biculturalism, and the indigenous culture
of Aotearoa.
Clockwise from top left: Principal Christopher Worsley shares a special moment with a tamariki; keen and ready to learn; planting
day; scary water slide; Art Deco celebration time; building strength and resilience; and all lined up for swimming sports. Opposite;
Reverend Matiu Eru, with Black Power Spokesperson Denis O’Reilly and Pat, discussing peace with the gangs; Matiu and Pat before
presenting a plea from tamariki at Maraenui Bilingual School asking for peace between gangs and a bettter life.
146
Napier Pilot City Trust – for a kinder, fairer city