Campus set to reopen

Community plans to reopen the former Northtec campus in Ra¯wene can now proceed following the signing of a five-year lease agreement between the Far North District Council and Te Puna o Kupenuku, on behalf of Hokianga communities.

Mayor John Carter said the lease was great news for Ra¯wene and the Hokianga.

“We know it is difficult to access educational and work opportunities in remote parts of the district, especially for our young people. That is why the campus is so important to the people of Hokianga and surrounding areas.

“By providing quality learning opportunities within Ra¯wene, Te Puna o Kupenuku will support people to participate in positive and creative activities. It will enhance social cohesion and promote a more stable and vibrant community.”

The united entities of Te Waananga o Hokianga and the Hokianga Community Educational Trust created Te Puna o Kupenuku (TPoK) to manage the campus, TPoK facilitator Pani Hauraki saying a longawaited vision was being realised, quoting Rereata Makiha: “Ko te oranga o a tatou uri ra runga atu i te whakapono ki nga akoranga me nga mohiotanga o nga tupuna I tukuna mai I roto I nga Whare Wananga.” (The significance of the wellbeing of our descendants is in the belief in the learner and the ancestral knowledge informed by Whare Waananga).

“This is the foundation whakataukı¯ gifted to TPoK by Rereata Makiha that drives the values and pathway forward for TPoK,” she said.

“We are delighted to have procured a vibrant, youthful leader, Kay Harris, as kaia¯rahi, to progress the setting up of a unique learning environment.”

The lease agreement will see TPoK pay annual rent of $1 for the 0.8ha educational reserve, with a five-year right of renewal. TPoK, which has received funding from the KaikoheHokianga Community Board and the government’s Covid Community Response Fund, will be responsible for building and grounds maintenance, and will pay for electricity, water and other services provided to the campus.