New Beginnings

Kia Ora, Malo e lelei, Talofa, Fakalofa lahi atu,

Kia Orana and Greetings

Ko wai ahau? Who am I?

Ki te taha o toku Pápa
Ko Pirongia te maunga

Ko Waipa me Waikato nga awa

Ko Tainui te waka

Ko Ngati Maniapoto te iwi

Ko Ngati Urunumia me Ngati Haua nga hapu

Ko Te Kotahitanga me Te Hokingamai ki te Nehenehenui nga marae

Ko Soane Vaha’akolo ráua ko  Tuhimareikura Ofa Tonga óku Túpuna

Ko Petera Vaha’akolo tóku pápá

Ki te taha o toku kóká

Ko Hikurangi te maunga

Ko Uawa te awa

Ko Horouta te waka

Ko Ngati Porou te iwi

Ko Ngati Hau te hapu

Ko Puketaawai te marae

Ko Tipi Tamarangi Nukunuku ráua ko Ria TeOiroa Gillman óku Túpuna

Ko Rina-lee Nukunuku tóku kóká

Ko Carol Tuhimareikura TeOiroa Vaha’akolo tóku ingoa 

No reira téná tatou katoa.

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Hi, my name is Carol Vaha'akolo. 

I am of Tongan and Maori descent. My family consists of my parents, 4 brothers, and 1 sister. 

I come from such a huge extended family that I love to spend time with. 

My love for God, my family and my community are what matters most.

The Otara community has always been a place that I call home. Being raised in Otara has enabled me to know who I am and where I come from.

I graduated from Teachers College with a Bachelor Degree in Teaching (Primary). I have been teaching for 17 years predominantly in the Secondary setting.

I am so thankful for the amazing privilege to teach at Rongomai School since 2017 - present.