Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ruamata Stands Firm in Vision for New School Gymnasium

Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ruamata is pushing forward with plans to enhance its facilities, despite facing recent barriers from Rotorua Airport regarding a proposed multipurpose gymnasium. The kura, which has operated at its Te Ngae Road site for nearly 40 years, serves 190 students from new entrants through to high school and remains dedicated to its unique Te Aho Matua curriculum. Tumuaki Dr Cathy Dewes (Te Arawa, Ngāti Porou) told RNZ that the school is committed to its whenua at Rotokawa, where it has successfully operated alongside the airport for decades. While the airport has withheld affected-party approval citing health and safety assessments, Dr Dewes emphasized that the kura community has long accepted their location under the flight path as part of their way of life. The site holds deep significance, having been established in 1987 following an invitation from kaumātua Te Hiko-o-te-Rangi Hohepa to base the school at Uenukukōpako Marae. Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell has expressed support for a resolution that respects the aspirations of the kura. Speaking to RNZ, Mayor Tapsell noted the importance of acknowledging the history of the land, which was compulsorily acquired from Ngāti Uenukukōpako in the mid-20th century. She highlighted that the council wishes to see the next generation of tamariki grow their school on their ancestral land, especially given the kura’s long waitlist. While the expansion will now proceed to an independent hearing, the kura remains focused on its goal of providing a whare hākinakina to shelter essential learning and NCEA examinations. Rotorua Airport CEO Nicole Brewer stated the airport supports the kura’s growth in principle and views the independent decision process as the best way to weigh safety regulations against the clear benefits the kura provides to the whānau and the wider community.