Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate Middle School Welcomes Jono Johnston to lead landmark Middle School Rumaki reo Sir
Edmund Hillary Collegiate Middle School is proud to announce the appointment of Jono Johnston as our new Year 7 & 8 Kaiako Māori. This appointment marks a significant milestone in our school’s history as we prepare to open our very first rūmaki reo within the Middle School. Jono joins our Collegiate whānau at a pivotal moment. His appointment is central to our commitment to providing high-quality immersion pathways and ensuring equitable outcomes for every one of our tamariki. He brings a profound depth of knowledge in te reo, tikanga, and Te Ao Māori. Jono joins us from Te Pūtahi Māori o Manurewa, where he served as a Kairīwhi, gaining valuable experience in Māori-medium environments.
In addition to his professional background, Jono is currently completing his Bachelor of Teaching through Te Wānanga o Raukawa. His immersion in contemporary Māori pedagogy means he brings the very latest insights and “fresh-off-the-press” learning to our Middle School, ensuring our curriculum remains vibrant and culturally responsive. Beyond the classroom, Jono is deeply committed to the kaupapa of whanaungatanga. He will play a leading role in fostering authentic relationships with:
● Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki and neighboring iwi.
● The wider Ōtara community.
● Our local whānau and hāpori.
We recognise that these connections are the bedrock of a successful local curriculum. By strengthening these ties, Jono will help ensure cultural safety and reinforce a strong sense of identity for all our ākonga.
We are thrilled to welcome Jono to our Middle School whānau. His arrival coincides with a historic moment for our Collegiate. Opening our first rumaki reo unit is about more than just a new classroom; it’s about honoring our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and providing our students with the environment they need to learn, succeed and thrive as Māori.
Ko te pae tawhiti, whāia kia tata; ko te pae tata, whakamaua kia tina. (Seek out distant horizons and cherish those close to hand.) This whakataukī speaks to our journey of reaching for a significant future vision – our first rumaki reo – while firmly grounding ourselves in the expertise and community connections we hold dear today