The Manukau Urban Maori Authority says students at its newly-opened school will benefit from being on a marae, with access to Whanau Ora, kaumatua services and Te Reo Maori lessons.
Willie Jackson Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin
Te Kura Maori o Waatea welcomed it first batch of akonga (students) to the bilingual school in Mangere on Monday.
Authority chief executive Willie Jackson said Nga Whare Waatea Marae was a one-stop-shop for the whanau of pupils.
He said there was a foodbank on the meeting grounds, and while he told families it was there for anyone to pick up kai, he said it was also there to support whanau who were in dire need of food.
Mr Jackson said families were choosing the kura because the marae and its members were offering full whanau support.
Willie Jackson said the kura had 40 students enrolled, but they would be able to take 60 once new buildings were put up on the marae.