Who are we?

Our Community - Putāruru

The origins of Putāruru occurred due to the brave actions of a man known as Ruru.

Ruru was the servant of Kahukori. Kahukori was a chieftainess of Raukawa, who married Parahori, the chief of the Ngāti Kahupungapunga who lived beside the maunga Pohaturoa in Atiamuri.

As a chieftainess, Kahukori was very very bossy and demanding. She would order her husband’s people to catch the huahua birds and take them to her brother Whaita who lived in Kawhia.

Now Parahori people were very angry with Kahukori and so they decided to punish her. After punishing her, they burnt her whare down. Her servant Ruru saw what had happened and decided that he had to tell her brother Whaita. Parahori sent his warriors out to look for Ruru. They did not want him to tell Whaita what had happened to his sister. They could not find Ruru. One warrior spotted Ruru, so they began chasing Ruru through the thick forest.

They chased Ruru from Atiamuri to Tokoroa. As they got closer, Ruru hid in the thick bush and waited until all the warriors ran past his hideout. He quickly made his way to Kawhia and told the Chief Whaita what had happened to his sister. And that is how Putāruru got its name He Puta - a Ruru means the escape of Ruru.

Retold by Nigel Te Hiko (Raukawa)

Putāruru Primary School is located in the South Waikato town of Putāruru. The school caters for learners in Years 1 to 6.

Putāruru Primary School is a community dedicated to fostering inclusivity, celebrating identity, and embracing culture. At our school, we believe that every child deserves to thrive by being true to who they are and embracing their roots. We cherish the uniqueness of each tamariki, recognising that their individuality is a source of strength. Our commitment to a caring environment ensures that every child feels seen, valued, and supported. We strive to create a learning space where tamariki not only gain knowledge but also develop a deep sense of pride in their identity and heritage. Join us on this journey of empowerment and discovery, where we nurture the whole child and lay the foundation for a future guided by authenticity and respect for diversity.