Cover design inspired by the artwork of
Bill Ruawai Toimairangi Tauira The design on the front cover of Te Pﾅｫrongo - Annual Report 2011 was inspired by Matariki (the Pleiades star cluster). Rongo is the god of peace and cultivated food, including kumara, taro, uwhi (yams) and hue (gourds). These tropical plants were brought to Aotearoa, a more temperate and severe climate than Hawaiki. Spiritual rituals were given to Rongo to enable these plants to grow. When ready, the plants were cultivated and eaten, including small sized hue. However, larger sized hue were shelled and dried, leaving only the hardened outer skin. When prepared, the hue could be used as a carrying vessel for water or food. Matariki signifies the season to celebrate and to prepare the ground for planting crops. Matariki is also a time to educate in the lore of the land and the forest. The central piece in the artwork is a carved hue surrounded by the stars of Matariki and signifies that, as with the cultivation of the hue, special environments are required for education to be sustaining so that it can bring about sustenance, health and wellbeing for all people. Te Wﾄ］anga o Aotearoa can be likened to a hue or a vessel of valuable knowledge that provides educational opportunities that can transform whﾄ］au and generations. As Matariki represents new beginnings and growth, our values and kaupapa are the guiding principles that continue to drive us in the pursuit of excellence.
Published in 2012
Address: Te Wﾄ］anga o Aotearoa 320 Factory Road PO Box 151 Te Awamutu 3800 Phone: 0800 355 553 Web: www.twoa.ac.nz
Presented to the House of Representatives pursuant to the Crown Entities Act 2004