Te Aratai College Whakawātea-Blessing

Te Aratai College (formerly Linwood College) in Ōtautahi Christchurch has reached a major milestone with a Whakawātea-blessing, marking the completion of the build and return of ākonga and kaiako to the Aldwins Road site.

Gifted the name by Ngāi Tūāhuriri, Te Aratai College translates as ‘Pathway to the Sea’, acknowledging traditional linkages to Te Ihutai-the Avon-Heathcote Estuary and the concept of pathways forming a central part of learning.

With the former Linwood College redeveloped as part of the Greater Christchurch Education Renewal Property Programme, the new College has been designed for community-whanaungatanga and kōrero –  reflecting its diverse community and the pursuit of academic excellence.

Photography: © Sarah Rowlands