Unnamed.
Naenae Primary School’s front field, with the campus and Hutt Valley hills beyond.

Naenae Primary School - Hīkoi Correspondence Collection (Nov 2024)

The following emails have been released by Naenae Primary School (NNPS) under the Official Information Act 1982 ("the OIA")

Table of Contents

For Best Viewing, please use a computer or a larger screen to properly view all charts in this article.

Letters of Complaint

NaeNae School - Treaty of Principals Bill Protest

From:John Reid <>
Date:Thu, 14 Nov 2024 at 18:51
To:<>

Dear Sir
You will be aware of the actions taken by this publicly funded school in their decision to collectively attend the protest at Parliament next week.
This is unacceptable in many ways . Political influence to minors ( children in this case at Primary level) is prohibited .
This is specifically listed in your Guidance for Teachers.
You need to act promptly to either remove the headmaster from his role for this breach and/or cancel this event.
This is totally appalling behaviour by the staff and Board of Trustees.
I look forward to this issue being resolved immediately.
John Reid
Sent from my iPhone

Murray Bootten

From:Jordan Palmer <>
Date:Thu, 14 Nov 2024 at 16:24
To: <>

To Whom it may concern,

The actions of the above principal at Naenae Primary school by emailing all students parents and guardians to attend the Hikoi is acting illegally as they are using their authority as a teacher to undermine the personal beliefs of any learners and inappropriately influencing them.

How are you going to fix this?

Thanks

Jordan Palmer | Director
0222 888 204| 09 253 9330
www.jamesgroup.co.nz

James Group Real Estate Ltd
Suite1.7, Axis Building, 91 St Georges Bay Road, Parnell, Auckland 1052
PO Box 37535, Parnell 1151
Licensed under REAA 2008

Busing pupils to Hikoi

From:Lorraine Barr <>
Date:Fri, 15 Nov 2024 at 12:27
To: <>

To Murray Booten - principal Tina Renata - board chairperson

This is VERY wrong and completely against the guidance for teachers published by the Teaching Council. If teachers wish to attend as an individual, they can but can't pass their political view onto pupils. Their position is to stay neutral when in front of pupils.

I am not aware if this decision was made at a board level or staff level but in either case it makes very little difference.

Your school roll includes multiple cultures, but you have made the assumption that everyone supports this Hikoi. That is wrong.

I believe this is the wording in the guidelines
Teachers have the same rights to freedom of speech and political activity in your private lives as any New Zealander. Chatting about politics or policy in private conversation with colleagues in the staffroom or campaigning for a party in the weekend is all good (in general).
However, when acting as an employee, best practice is to be politically neutral (the Public Service Act has been amended, and teachers are now clearly part of the public service).

They explicitly say teachers should not:
using my authority as a teacher to undermine the personal beliefs of my learners or inappropriately influence them to take a course of action

You may argue they are guidelines but to assume everyone in your school supports the hikoi is very wrong and inappropriate.

Lorraine Barr

Naenae Primary School excursion to the March on Parliament - Complaint

From:Andrew Collins <>
Date:Fri, 15 Nov 2024 at 11:56
To:<>, <>

Attn - Teachers Council and the School board chair Tina Renata

Assuming the copy of the attached letter from the school to parents is genuine and as such undeniably breaches the political neutrality required of schools and staff while acting in their professional capacity I wish to make an official complaint. (I am aware that this school is not the only one to have acted in a similar manner which is even more concerning showing the extent of the lack of discipline and respect for the rules)

Whilst I am aware and despite the letter not being dated it was obviously written when the bill was expected to be first read on the 19th however whether the school trip has taken place, or not the letter remains a breach.

It seems inconceivable to me that such a letter would be considered let alone authorised to be distributed.

I am a parent but not a parent of that school however I would suggest those who are have very valid reason now to question the judgment this school applies to all decisions moving forward.

I respectfully view this dissemination of this letter is not only a breach of the code but also a very concerning error of judgment.

Please reply to confirm receipt of this email, both the Council and the School please

Regards
Andrew Collins

School absence

From:Toni Field <>
Date:Fri, 15 Nov 2024 at 11:39
To: <>

Hi there
As a concerned grandparent I would like to know what your disagreement actually is about the proposed Treaty Bill. What about the 3 principles do you not like?
I look forward to your response as personally I cannot understand why you would encourage children and their parents to partake in a protest when you have not provided in your letter to them, a reasonable and precise reason for doing so.
Are you actively encouraging bullying and violence to your children?
Regards
Toni Field

Sent from my iPhone

Hikoi

From:Bev watson <>
Date:Fri, 15 Nov 2024 at 10:31
To: <>

To the board and management of Naenae primary school

Please register my dismay and disgust at your use of primary school children as pawns in in your political machinations. We have seen these events in the past become little better than riots (covid protests and Posie Parker meeting) and to insert primary school children into these sorts of protest crowds is more than criminal.

That said, the political aspect of the school’s actions definitely exceed the bounds of their brief. This is backed by the Teaching Council of New Zealand’s Guidelines:

• using my authority as a teacher to undermine the personal beliefs of my learners or inappropriately influence them to take a course of action

Your intention to transport your charges to this brazenly political event is certainly designed to “inappropriately influence” these children.

I would hope to see this abuse of the school’s pupils cancelled and a much more professional attitude displayed by the school in future.


Kind regards

C. J. Watson



Sent from Mail for Windows 10

to whom it may concern

From:Gill Sanders <>
Date:Fri, 15 Nov 2024 at 08:50
To: <>

To whom it may concern.
I am extremely concerned that a tax payer funded school is planning to take the whole school on Tuesday November 19th to the political rally.
This is very destressing as this school is not setting an example of an unbiased education.
Your school is planning to take part in a political rally.
I will be sending a complaint to the Teaching Council in regard this.

Kind regards
Gill Sanders

Hikoi

From:Lesley Rainbow <>
Date:Fri, 15 Nov 2024 at 08:27
To: <>

Good morning

Regarding the fact that you have promoted and encouraged pupils as young as 5 years of age to join the TPM activist hikoi to Parliament to protest the proposed Treaty Principles Bill.

As the principal of Nae Name Primary School, you are stating that your taxpayer funded school supports the protest march, and will mark any student missing school to attend as having a justified absence. This is both breaching the law, and the Teaching Council neutrality standards.

As the principal of a primary school you should be aware of the Teaching Council guidance for teachers. Perhaps you need a timely reminder, so I have listed it below.

"Teachers have the same rights to freedom of speech and political activity in your private lives as any New Zealander. Chatting about politics or policy in private conversation with colleagues in the staffroom or campaigning for a party in the weekend is all good (in general).

However, when acting as an employee, best practice is to be politically neutral(the Public Service Act has been amended, and teachers are now clearly part of the public service)."

If you want to attend a protest march as individuals, this is fine. But to bus in school children to a protest march is a breach of your professional standards, and your role as state employees funded by taxpayers.

In other words, teachers can do politics as citizens, but not when acting in their professional capacity.

Regards, Lesley Rainbow

Complaint

From:Jo Brown <>
Date:Fri, 15 Nov 2024 at 07:31
To: <>
Cc:<>, <>, <>

Tina Renata,

I write to register a complaint against Murray Bootten.

The complaint pertains to communication circulated by Naenae Primary School notifying families of the school's intention to attend a hikoi at Parliament on 19/11/2024. The notification stated the school's intention to protest the Treaty Principles Bill.

As principal, Mr Bootten's authority to issue communication has resulted in undermining the personal beliefs of learners and inappropriately influencing them to take a course of action. The Public Service Act requires an employee to be politically neutral.

Section 495 (1) Education and Training Act 2020 expects that the first point of contact for any complaint will be the teacher’s employer.

Regards

Jo Brown

Attending a political hikoi

From:Susan Padgett <>
Date:Thu, 14 Nov 2024 at 19:17
To: <>

Good evening
Under whose authority are schools allowed to attend a political hikoi to parliament?
What makes your BOT and Staff think it's appropriate?

Have you even listened properly to the first reading of that bill?

How about your EOTC FORM. The risk management alone must be horrendous

Risk
Violence around students.
Major risk

Oh...you are going with one to one ratio.
Well that makes it fine...NOT!

I think that any school who thinks it is appropriate needs to be told "No."

It is POLITICAL. Schools are not meant to indoctrinate students in any way.

Regards
Concerned Citizen

Nae Nae School participation in current Hikoi

From:Jacqueline S <>
Date:14 November 2024 at 22:54
To:
Cc:,  

Hello BOT Secretary, Renata.

This is a complaint against the school's 'collective' decision to take your whole school on a political protest march.

I learned today, after reading your newsletter, that it has been decided to take the whole school to participate in the current Hikoi to Parliament and display your collective disapproval of the Principles Bill.

This hikoi is politically motivated against the current Government in leadership and organised, I believe, by the Maori Party.

I understand that the Teaching Council NZ 'teaching guidelines' require 'political neutrality' of its teachers.
Teachers and staff have their views but must not force them on children they teach.
Taking the children of your school to the hikoi as a school 'outing' must surely contravene those Teaching Council guidelines.

I have heard that taking the children could be illegal.
Absence from class could not then be 'justifiable absence'.

Children in the absorbent mind age should not be exposed to adult concepts of such a political nature as this hikoi.
They need to be allowed to be children, not miniature adults with adult thought patterns of a divisive nature indoctrinated into them.

What is actually being taught in your classrooms?

What, if any, Health and Safety strategies have been considered and printed for all accompanying adults to read and understand BEFORE the school Day of Protest?
What safety measures will the children be told of and understand?

What, if any, wet weather plans have been factored in?

What is your plan/street map of where toilets will be within easy reach of a Whole School of -330 kids and 1:1 adults for the really young kids?

Have you booked a train carriage to and fro so all are on the same train?
School roll 1 Jul 23 shows as 333 so about that number this year plus all the staff and extra adults makes for a packed train.

There is no toilet at Nae Nae station.

Can your FIVE year olds handle the 400m walk from school to the station, wait for train then sit for 24 min. train trip, 900m W'ton station to the Beehive walk, stand up amongst the crowd for the duration of your protest then reverse the travel?
Where will your whole school of -330 plus accompanying adults gather to sit and eat lunch?

Thousands of highly confrontational adults will be at Parliament, all with their own agendas and having tiny FIVE year olds forced amongst them will more-than-likely be challenging, even frightening for little ones to experience.

It is not going to be a fun-fair environment of laughter and joy.
It will be ugly, very ugly if/when scenes similar to MP Maipi-Clark's behaviour in Parliament today flare up.

How did the school adults reach the collective decision to take the whole school to this event?
Were parents polled to get this 'collective' consent for their child/ren to go?

Who pays the train fares- taxpayers via the school budget?

Who pays for the Maori Sovereignty Flags for the kids, staff and others- taxpayers?
My taxes contribute to teachers teaching the children under their care, not for teachers to jaunt off for the day to a 'collective-decision' political protest, using the children as their get-off-school-for-my-own-pursuit card and be paid for it.

I am reminded of the 'Our Shore For Sure' issue when I volunteered at the 100% Maori-enrolment primary school, now closed- extremely bad ERO reports for decades, and the whole roll was indoctrinated with that political issue even though majority, if not all, were too young to understand the political nature of what they were chanting and why they were waving political, protest banners.

All the White kids had long been removed; the standards of education and behaviour were SOOO deplorably low. [My son learned more at Montessori PRE-school (the Riddells Creek, Vic. Au one in news this week where a staff member was tragically killed as she saved at least four kids) than his 18 months at the NZ PRIMARY school.]

Too much focus on Maori-Grievance Issues not enough on basic educational achievement.
I wanted to take my son out in his first weeks but had trouble convincing his father how bad it was.

After 18 months wasted there I, not a trained teacher, then home-schooled him for 9yrs as Intermediate and Secondary in Whangarei city were just as bad as the rural, coastal Primary.
He was Accepted into Uni, Mechatronics Engineering at 16, left NZ immediately after completing Masters at 21.

I consider it bad choice, even irresponsible choice, to take these children in your care to this hikoi for your own, adult, political agenda.

Let them be children.
They will be adults for much longer than this short phase of development.

As there is so little time for you to respond to me before your planned protest I have cc'd to the CE Teaching Council NZ to register my complaint with them about children at your school being deliberately exposed to the political viewpoints of teaching staff which I understand is in overt defiance of the Teaching Council NZ guidelines of 'Political Neutrality'.

Regards
Jackie

Letters in Support

Letter of support for hikoi toitu te tiriti

From:Talia Jennings <>
Date:15 November 2024 at 14:26
Reply-To:Talia Jennings <>
To:"" <>

To whom this may concern, My name is Talia jennings i have been a parent of 10 going on to 11 children who have and currently attend Naenae Primary. Since day one Mr Booton has always actively been supportive in all kaupapa kohanga te raa has been apart of and has alaways been welcoming to my whanau. He has been an amazing confident leader for our kura and i am always inspired by the person he is and the leadership that he shows. I am wrighting This letter in support of Mr Booton decision to support our hikoi to parliament by taking a day from kura for our tamariki to be able to walk with those who are in support of this kaupapa for this current government to honour our treaty. This kaupapa is important for our children and affects there future generations. Thank you Mr booton for giving our babys the chance to join this hikoi and thank you for giving this once in a life time chance for there mates to join them. This kaupapa is important not only to te iwi maori but to all who live here in Aotearoa. Our kura has always been home to all cultures of the world this is a great chance for all to be apart of and support our Maori unit. My heart cries that Mr Booton is getting attacked and bullied because of the decision for our kura to attend this hikoi, and my worry is starting to turn on my babys because of these hurtful people are we going to give them control of our kura? are we going to give them power? Are there concerns justified? Are there concerns valid? Are we going to let these haters bully our kura?
This day is important for my kids my mokopuna and my whānau, and i hope that the kura is behind us, better yet beside us!Just so you know Mr booton we are here for you and we have your back 100% when you need us we will be there. Lots of heartfelt lovings Mr Booton,
#Toitutetiriti #Toitutewhenua #Toitutemanamotuhake


Yours sincerly,

Talia jennings, Howard jennings, Darnell karaitiana jennings, Orlando karaitiana jennings, Djuana-shire karaitiana jennings, Ngarauru karaitiana jennings, Arepa-ford karaitiana jennings, Kingston karaitiana jennings, Te omeka karaitiana jennings, Te Rangiirunga karaitiana jennings, Awanuiarangi Karaitiana jennings, He iti kahurangi karaitiana jennings, Raukura karaitiana jennings, Te Awakairangi Karaitiana jennings, Te Atiawa karaitiana jennings moana.

 

Letter of Support

From:haromiroberts <>
Date:15 November 2024 at 13:37
To:

Tēnā koe e Murray.

My name is Haromi, Te Rongomau's Aunty and Lenora's sister.

I wanted to send an email of support regarding yours and the Board of Trustees decision to allow the kura to participate in the Toitu te Tiriti hīkoi arriving here in Pōneke next Tuesday, 19th November.


I am well aware of the concerns of a few and the ill-informed comments that have circulated on social media targeting yourself, the Chair and attempting to tarnish Naenae Primary School’s name.


There are many whānau who would agree that the decision you and the Board have made is nothing short of empowering and enduring for our tamariki/mokopuna, to know they have your support as well as kaiako to be who they are inherently - unapologetically Maori.


Murray, there is no history lesson taught in a classroom that could ever give our tamariki the unique experience of walking alongside their own people for a kaupapa that depends on all of us playing our part - mo nga mokopuna te take!


Thank you Murray for supporting my sister, my nephew and te iwi Maori in this history making kaupapa.


Toitū Te Tiriti.
Aku mihi mahana,
Haromi Roberts

 


murray bootten <>
15 November 2024 at 14:10
To: haromiroberts <>

Kia ora Haromi

Thank you for your email and message of support. It has been an interesting few days with messages from people outside of our rohe sharing their thoughts as to what we should be doing with our tamariki and whānau.
These people probably don't even know where Naenae is.

Messages such as your own are encouraging and help keep me positive and for this I am extremely grateful.
This is for our tamariki, mokopuna and nga whakatupuranga.
Toitū Te Tiriti
Nga mihi Murray Bootten [Quoted text hidden]

Murray Bootten
Tumuaki
Te Kura o Ngaengae Naenae Primary School 04 567 8117

 

Hikoi mo te Tiriti-support letter

From:Jordana Turahui <>
Date:15 November 2024 at 13:19
To:

As a Mama, Aunty and ex Kaiako of over 30 Tamariki at naenae primary school I thank all kaimahi and especially Mr botten for not only supporting the hikoi mo te tiriti but allowing and providing our Tamariki with this opportunity to make their stand for their future

You have our Full support Matua Bootten

Toitu te tiriti

Fwd: Some schools encouraged students to attend the hikoi!

From:Andy Mitchell <>
Date:15 November 2024 at 13:37
To:

Kia ora Murray,

Just as an FYI, your school made the Hobson's Pledge newsletter. They're campaigning for their followers to lay complaints against your school and others with the Teachers Council for "breaching political neutrality."

Kia kaha. I'll keep an eye out for you all at the hīkoi!

Ngā mihi,

Andy


Forwarded message 
From: Don Brash, Hobson's Pledge <>
Date: Thu, Nov 14, 2024 at 1:17 PM
Subject: Some schools encouraged students to attend the hīkoi!
To: Jasper Skinny Arms <>

Jasper -

A quick note from me just to make you aware of the politicisation occurring in New Zealand schools.

And I would like to quickly acknowledge that you will be hearing from us a bit more frequently in the coming weeks as there is so much happening around the Treaty Principles Bill that we need to keep you updated on. These issues are too important not to share with you.

Yesterday, the hīkoi that was meant to be about the Treaty Principles Bill made its way across the Auckland Harbour Bridge. I say 'meant to be' because those taking part cited a number of issues as their reason for being there, including hatred of David Seymour, a desire to get rid of the Government (that was Willie Jackson), and (judging by the flags) pro-Palestine activism.

It was a school day, and Associate Minister of Education David Seymour made it clear that students should be at school. Some schools, it seems, disagreed.

On his Kiwiblog, David Farrar shared correspondence that some schools sent out encouraging hīkoi attendance and excusing absences!

Here is one example from Naenae Primary School. Kiwiblog also shares one from South Wellington Intermediate School.

David Farrar has suggested that New Zealanders concerned with the blatant politicisation going on should report schools which are breaching political 
neutrality to the Teaching Council.

We think this is a great idea.

As we are demonstrating with our approach to fighting back with the media, Hobson's Pledge is done with politely tolerating the behaviour of radicals. Our opponents use any means possible to silence and attack us, why should we not use regulatory tools (appropriately, I might add) to disincentivise destructive activism.

The Kiwiblog article shows some examples that you can report to the Teaching Council, but you may have heard of others. Please let us know if you have, and we can report those too.

CLICK HERE FOR THE TEACHING COUNCIL COMPLAINT FORM

Once the form has been completed, email it to: or post to: Manager Professional Responsibility Teaching Council Aotearoa New Zealand PO Box 5326, Wellington 6140 New Zealand.

Sincerely,

Don Brash
Trustee
Hobson’s Pledge
P.S. If you would like to contribute to our fund for fighting all of the nonsense, please click here.

 

NaeNae School - Treaty of Principals Bill Protest

From:John Reid <>
Date:Thu, 14 Nov 2024 at 18:51
To:<>

Dear Sir
You will be aware of the actions taken by this publicly funded school in their decision to collectively attend the protest at Parliament next week.
This is unacceptable in many ways . Political influence to minors ( children in this case at Primary level) is prohibited .
This is specifically listed in your Guidance for Teachers.
You need to act promptly to either remove the headmaster from his role for this breach and/or cancel this event.
This is totally appalling behaviour by the staff and Board of Trustees.
I look forward to this issue being resolved immediately.
John Reid
Sent from my iPhone

So proud of your school and hikoi

From:Naomi Forrester <>
Date:Thu, 14 Nov 2024 at 17:26
To:<>

Allowing staff and students true education.
I was at Britomart. So beautiful, so proud of people.
Naomi Thoms

Te Hikoi 2025

From:Corrina Hunt <>
Date:17 November 2024 at 10:21
To:"" <>

Tena Koutou,

I am writing this email as parent of children & mokopuna who attend Naenae Primary, to support your decision on allowing our tamariki to attend the Hikoi on Wednesday.

At the very least, I want my tamariki to be a part of this history making movement that is descending upon Pōneke. My tamariki would give get an experience like this in a classroom. This will be the embodiment of ‘learning in action’.

Mo ngā mokopuna te take!

Toitu Te Tiriti
Toitū tō tātau mana motuhake
Toitu te iwi Maori!

Aku mihi
Corrina Hunt


Corrina Hunt <>    17 November 2024 at 21:42
To: "" <>

Apologies Hikoi on Tuesday!

[Quoted text hidden]

Thanks for your school's hikoi support

From:Faith Alexander <>
Date:Fri, 15 Nov 2024 at 14:03
To: <>

I have just read an inflammatory post about schools supporting students attending the hikoi next week. The post provided your school's email address.

I want to thank you for the extraordinary opportunity you are providing for these students and their families. My own children are way past school age but I would have been proud to be part of such a school community.

Thank you all.
Faith Alexander

To the tumuaki

From:Alia Te Hira <>
Date:Sun, 17 Nov 2024 at 10:21
To: <>

Tēnā koe e te Tumuaki

I am writing to thank you for supporting your kura to attend the hikoi.

My tamaiti does not attend Naenae Primary but I’ve heard about the disgraceful feedback you’ve received and I wanted to reach out to let you know that we see you and the mahi you do to support and uplift tangata whenua.

It is so important for our tamariki to be able to participate in matters that affect them and their futures, and to express their Māoritanga.

I appreciate the treaty partner you are and thank you for your hard mahi. Kia ū ki te kaupapa.

Ngā mihi, na

Alia (he māmā Māori ki Te Kura o Wilford)

TOITŪ TE TIRITI!!

From:TeAmorangi Samoa Ale <>
Date:15 November 2024 at 13:26
To:

To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to show my full support for
Mr. Murry Botten, the principal of Naenae Primary School, in his involvement with the Toitū te Tiriti movement and the long walk to Wellington Parliament on Tuesday the 19th 2024

I have been lucky to be under Mr. Botten’s guidance since I was five years old in 2012, and I can honestly say he has had a huge positive impact on me, my family, and our community. Mr. Botten has always been a strong leader who cares deeply about his students and the values of respect, fairness, and inclusion. His support for Maori and Pasifika students, and his belief in the importance of the Treaty of Waitangi, has always been clear.

Mr. Botten is more than just a principal to
us—he has been a mentor, a supporter, and a true advocate for our community. I am proud to be one of his ex-students and I stand w ith him as he supports this important movement for justice.

Thank you, Mr. Botten, for all that you’ve done for me, my family, and our school.

Sincerely,
Te Amorangi Samoa
(His favourite ex-student)


Te Amorangi Samoa Ale <>
15 November 2024 at 13:26
To:
[Quoted text hidden]


murray bootten <>
15 November 2024 at 14:12
To: TeAmorangi Samoa Ale <>

Arohanui favourite ex-student

Murray Bootten
[Quoted text hidden]

Murray Bootten
Tumuaki
Te Kura o Ngaengae
Naenae Primary School

Letter in Support of Murray and the BOT of NPS

From:Penny Clout <>
Date:15 November 2024 at 14:49
To:"" <>, ""
<>,
Cc:"" <>, Vanessa Silafai
<>, , Lillian Ward
<>, "" <>

15/11/2024

c/o: The Principal and BOT of NPS

Dear Murray,

I am writing to offer my full support for the kaupapa of Toitū Tiriti at Naenae Primary School. I am aware that the school has recently received some criticism from individuals who may not be fully familiar with the depth and diversity of our school community.

While it is unfortunate that these voices do not reflect the true spirit of who we are, I want to reaffirm my belief in the value of the kaupapa and the inclusive approach Naenae Primary School takes to support all students, regardless of their cultural background.

It is important to acknowledge that the kaupapa Maori, as part of Toitū Tiriti, is not only about uplifting our Maori students, but also about creating an environment where all cultures are celebrated and respected.

Naenae Primary's commitment to the Maori community through Toitu Tiriti is something we should all be immensely proud of. At the same time, it is equally important to recognise and support our Samoan aiga, our mainstream whānau, and our conductive classroom students, all of whom contribute to the rich tapestry of our school.

We are a community that understands the strength of diversity, and it is this diversity that makes us stronger. The school has worked tirelessly to create a welcoming and inclusive environment, where every child’s culture, heritage, and identity is honoured.
The kaupapa of Toitu Tiriti, therefore, should be celebrated not only for its support of our Māori students but also for how it uplifts and acknowledges all cultures and communities within the school. This is an environment where all children, no matter their culture or colour, are given the opportunity to thrive.

In this time of challenge, I urge the school community to stand united and continue to tautoko, support, and celebrate the diversity that makes Naenae Primary School such a special place. Let us continue to encourage our tamariki to be proud of who they are, where they come from, and the rich cultural heritage they bring to our school.

Murray - Thank you for your continued leadership and ongoing commitment to ensuring that Naenae Primary School is a place where all our tamariki can succeed and feel a deep sense of belonging.

Nga mihi nui,
Penny Clout
Long time parent.

Tautoko for Your Leadership and the Hīkoi Initiative

From:Jessica Pihema <>
Date:17 November 2024 at 10:34
To:"" <>

Kia Ora e te Tumuaki, te Tiamana, me te Poari o Naenae Primary School

Kei ngā mana, kei ngā reo, kei ngā karangatanga maha, tēnā koutou katoa.

I am writing this email to express my wholehearted support for the decision made by you, our tumuaki, our chair, and our Board of Trustees, to involve ourtamariki in the upcoming hīkoi to Pōneke. I acknowledge the immense courage it takes to stand up for what is right, especially in the face of unwarranted criticism and negative feedback from individuals who do not understand the values of our community and the unique needs of our kura.

Your decision to take our tamariki on this journey of learning, identity, and empowerment is an invaluable experience that extends far beyond the confines of a traditional classroom. As parents, whānau, and community members, we are proud to see our school embody the principles of ‘learning in action,’ giving ourtamariki the chance to witness, participate in, and shape history.

I want to acknowledge the manaakitanga, aroha, and commitment you have shown to our tamariki and their whānau, particularly for our Maori students and the wider Maori community. The values you uphold reflect the true essence of our shared vision for the future, where the voices of our tamariki are nurtured, their heritage is celebrated, and their mana is uplifted.

Please know that your leadership and unwavering commitment have not gone unnoticed. We stand behind you and the kaupapa you are supporting. Thank you for your bravery and dedication to creating enriching experiences that will leave a lasting impact on ourtamariki.

Mo ngā mokopuna te take!

Toitū Te Tiriti
Toitū tô tātau mana motuhake
Toitū te iwi Maori!

Ngā mihi nunui,
Jess Pihema raua ko Nathan Carroll

Re the support for the hikoi

From:natalie edser <>
Date:17 November 2024 at 10:46
To:"" <>

Morena T

I am just sending through this email in regards to my support for the hikoi.

The pure reasons I enrolled my daughter into naenae primary was because of the identity, the morals, the mana, the diverse cultural spectrum and you help nurture our kids into finding their own identity as well as explore and understand others.
This hikoi means a lot for my girl and whanau and I am in awe that our kura is supporting this 100% and I support this 10000000000% our kids deserve to be apart of this as it teaches them so much book wise and action wise they deserve to not have things stripped from them that purely belongs to them.

Me and my whanau are in support of the kura all the way.

Ka pai everyone.

 

Te Hikoi

From:Moira Tamihere <>
Date:17 November 2024 at 10:49
To:"" <>

Tena Koutou,

I am writing this email as a parent of a child that attends Naenae Primary, in support of the decision to allow our tamariki to attend the Hikoi on Tuesday 19 November.

At the very least, I want my tamaiti to be a part of this history making movement that is descending upon Poneke. My tamaiti would never get an experience like this in the classroom. This will be the embodiment of 'learning in action'.

Mo nga mokopuna te take!

Toitu te Tiriti
Toitu to tatau mana motuhake
Toitu te iwi Maori

Aku mihi
Moira Tamihere

(no subject)

From:Marjose sakaria <>
Date:17 November 2024 at 10:57
To:"" <>

Malo ni Murray,

I Malia and Tula.Sakaria.
Parents to Gogo and Niko.Sakaria.
We are emailing to let you know that what you are doing on Tuesday is an amazing Achievement that our School Pupils will never forget.
You Murray have our full support on this Kaupapa and we are here to let you know Tuesday is History making for NZ and YOU as Ngaengae Principal is making history for our Children by taking them on the Hioki and experience History and Understanding for better tomorrow.
Dont ever let keyboard warrior worry or ruin your day.
Manuia te aho,

God Bless,

Malia and Tuia.S

Toitu Te whenua

From:maria andrews <>
Date:17 November 2024 at 12:13
To:"" <>

Morena Mr Booten,

I know that you've been faced with negative feedback re next week’s excursion attending the hikoi. In light of that, i wanted to say a big NGA MIHI, thanking you for allowing an amazing learning experience for my daughters to be apart of. This hikoi affects there future and there kids future and is something that creates awareness of what is happening in our country.
I have to point out that this is something THEY BOTH want to attend, so thank you for also giving them the option to stay at school if they did not want to go, we as a whanau made the decision forthem to attend!! Im saddened to see the misinformation that people have been putting out there, don't listen to them, they don't know shit.

My whanau and i stand with you Mr, We are proud to have you as our Tumuake

Tyahrie and Hayzels Mum

(no subject)

From:Josephine m <>
Date:17 November 2024 at 12:30
To:"" <>

Kiaora Mr Bootten,

Hope you are well :)

First and foremost I would like too acknowledge how much mana you give too our teachers and tamariki in regards too supporting their identity as maori, forthem too be able too stand strong and thrive everyday in te ao maori is priceless. The knoweledge and passion they have from being able too learn in te ao maori at Maenae primary gives them alot more opportunities in life and will forever feel connected too who they are as a person which is the most important value too have in life for your own wellbeing. So thank you so much for standing stronging for our tamariki and teachers too be able too enforce that. You are forever appreciated and we are forever greatful and blessed.

Nga mihi, Josephine (Zareah & Koras mama)

Thank you!

From:Xenia Waitai <>
Date:17 November 2024 at 10:56
To:"" <>

I am writing to express my gratitude for your mahi and for allowing our tamariki to tautoko the Te Tiriti hikoi. While they may not fully understand its significance right now, I believe that in 30 years, they will look back with pride, knowing they were part of a important moment in New Zealand history.

I am incredibly grateful for NNPS. The loss of te reo Maori has deeply affected my whānau, and without it at home, my tamariki would not have had the opportunity to learn.

The opportunities NNPS provides extend far beyond the school gates—they spread out to our homes and into our community. I am proud for my tamariki to represent NNPS, and I always take the opportunity to share this with others. Kia kaha.

Ngā mihi nui,
Xenia Waitai
Māmā of Mahina-Rangi and Manāko Waitai-Tali.

Support letter

From:Keri Morunga <>
Date:17 November 2024 at 18:02
To:"" <>

Kia ora,
Mr Bootten, Chair Person and B.O.T.

My name is Mama Kegz (Keri Morunga) Mama to Shannon Morunga who is in her final year at Naenae Primary School Class of The Akau 2024 and Dekon Morunga who is in Te Mīanga who still has a couple more years left at the Kura.
I am writing this letter to say that over the years that I have been beside the kura and joining in on every occasion weather it be Parent held for school trips, Sports activities, Noho Marae, School Activities and Kapa Haka, I just wanted to say that without your guys motivation and fight for what our tamariki need we wouldn't be the school that we are today.
Me and my whanau have and will continue to support you all in any kaupapa that includes my kids, my nephew's and nieces past and present.

Mr Bootten Keep being you, Keep shining bright and thank you for always putting our kids first

Nāku noa

Te Morunga Whanau

Support far our tumuaki, our kura & our tamariki

From:Aroha Patene <>
Date:17 November 2024 at 18:15
To:"" <>

Kia ora whanau,

My name is Aroha Patene (A.K.A Mama Aroha)

I am a mama of 4 tamariki. 2 whom are past tauira, 1 who is still current & 1 who will be attending in a few years time. I have been apart of our whanau unit for almost 14yrs+ making me the eldest parent who just can’t leave the kura any time soon. I have supported many kaupapa being main stream or within our whanau unit, I am the parent who is an all rounder in the kura & also the hoha parent that nags other parents to come lend a hand when needed.

I am writing this email to support our tumuaki & our chair person & our B.O.T for the decision making in letting our kura attend the hikoi.
Our tumuaki always supports every culture weather it be Pakeha, Māori, Samoan driven whatever. So now its my turn to show support to him as he has done so much for my tamariki, myself & my whanau. Thank you for all that you do & continue you to do. We are behind you 100%! Till the wheels fall off Mr.

Much aroha from me & mine x

Te Hikoi 2025

From:Corrina Hunt <>
Date:17 November 2024 at 10:21
To:"" <>

Tena Koutou,

I am writing this email as parent of children & mokopuna who attend Naenae Primary, to support your decision on allowing our tamariki to attend the Hikoi on Wednesday.

At the very least, I want my tamariki to be a part of this history making movement that is descending upon Pōneke. My tamariki would give get an experience like this in a classroom. This will be the embodiment of ‘learning in action’.

Mo ngā mokopuna te take!

Toitū Te Tiriti
Toitū tō tātau mana motuhake
Toitū te iwi Maori!

Aku mihi
Corrina Hunt

Thank You

From:Tania Latu <>
Date:18 November 2024 at 09:51
To:"" <>

Kia Ora Mr. Bootten,
I just want to express my gratitude for your support of the Toitū kaupapa. This is exactly why I know I chose the right school for Boston.

Be proud Mr. Bootten, for what you are giving our tamariki. We think you’re amazing!

Thank you!!

From the Latu Whanau

Congratulations

From:Adrianne McAllister <>
Date:20 November 2024 at 20:26
To:"" <>

Kia Ora Murray,
I just wanted to congratulate you, your staff and your BOT on the way you all supported your community around the Tuesdays Hikoi mō te Tiriti.
Well done, your community must be so proud!

Nāku noa, nā
Adrianne McAllister (Te Aitanga a Māhaki)

Tumuaki /Principal

Mt Cook School
160 Tory Street
Wellington NZ p: +64 4 3859432 e:

www.mtcook.school.nz/
Mt Cook School Facebook

Central Welly workers feedback on NNPS at the Hikoi

From:Frederique Bertrand <>
Date:20 November 2024 at 12:17
To:BOT NNPS <>, murray bootten <>

Kia ora!

I am back in the office this morning, just around the corner from where we were yesterday for the hīkoi. Afew colleagues came to find me & show support during the day while we were out, but I am now hearing from many more who were nearby and heard the singing. A colleague told me he thought we quite literally changed the tone and mood in the crowd - made it positive and uplifting for everyone around us, in a way that carried through as people walked on by.

I imagine we will continue to get a fair bit of attention for our participation. I wanted to pass on the positive messages I am getting today. It’s made me even more proud of our school and community for showing up the way we did.

Ngā mihi maioha,
Frederique


Jennifer Hanson <>
20 November 2024 at 12:20
To: Frederique Bertrand <>
Cc: BOT NNPS <>, murray bootten
<>

Such wonderful feedback!!!! I think it was really special that the kids sung waiata and agree that it really added something extra!
[Quoted text hidden]


murray bootten <> To: All Staff <>

20 November 2024 at 13:25
[Quoted text hidden]
Murray Bootten
Tumuaki
Te Kura o Ngaengae Naenae Primary School 04 567 8117

Toitu Te Tiriti

From:Liz Patara <>
Date:22 November 2024 at 08:24
To:Principal - Naenae School <>

Tēnā koe Murray

Kai te mihi atu ki a koe mō tāu whakatau ki te tu mō te tikanga tika. It takes courage to stand up for what's right..

He mihi nunui ki a koe ko koutou kura whānau o Naenae.

Nōu te rourou
Nōku te rourou
Ka puawai te moemoea te wawata
O ā tātou tamariki mokopuna

With your contributions
With my contributions
The dreams and aspirations
Of our tamariki mokopuna will be realised

Principal Clyde Quay School
Liz Patara

Ph: +64 43850900
Fax: +64 43850983

Thank you.

From:manda and Rawhiti Smallman <>
Date:15 November 2024 at 14:31
To:"" <>, "" <>

Kia ora korua

As a whanau we wanted to let you know that we are proud to be part of Naenae Primary and to be lead by strong individuals not afraid to stand up for what is important to the whanau of the Kura they lead. You do fantastic mahi and we are in full support of your leadership.

The comments and negativity that has been directed at you both is unfair, unjustified and does not at all reflect the feelings of the Naenae Primary community.

We are in full support of you both and the great job you are doing leading our Kura. It is a sad time for New Zealand right now, but we believe this stand will only unify and strengthen us more as a nation. A nation that we want to be, not a nation that the small minded David Seymour wants to create.

Kia kaha and thank you for all that you do for our Kura.
If there is anything you need to defend any repercussions, please let us know.

Smallman whanau
(Kairangi Smallman, Te Hopua)