Why We’re Changing Our Name

Our school has always been the heartbeat of our community. Students, teachers and whānau have journeyed through this kura to accomplish great things. We have grown amazing people who are serving our communities here and around the world. 

Over the years our community has changed. We still have the strong community heartbeat but it now comes from many cultures. 

Our school is directing a new path in their journey; one full of opportunity, growth, and promise for our students. We’re embracing change across our school, curriculum, and strengthening connections with the wider community.

Our New Name

Around seven years ago and every year since then, students have been asking the Board to consider a new name; one that would reflect their identity today while honouring our past. 

A thoughtful process has guided our kura towards a new name through consultation with local iwi and the Māori queen’s representative for our region, has said that Te Kāhui ariki is in support of our kura and the name that has been shared. 

A name has been  chosen that speaks to who we are and where we’re going. The name that has been given to us is: TE HAIKURA Ā KIWA. Translated, the name means Kiwa High School, however there is a deeper meaning for ourselves and our community when we use our name in te reo Māori.

KIWA is the guardian of the Pacific Ocean and symbolises protection, guidance, and the spirit of voyaging. 

Just as James Cook once navigated great oceans, KIWA now leads us forward, continuing the legacy of exploration while embracing the diverse journeys of all who call our kura home.

Our tamariki carry the future. This name grounds them in their identity, their values, and their purpose.

Each part of our name contributes to our purpose:

• Hai – Future focus, aspiration
• Kura – School, learning, unity
• Ā – Connection to each other and the wider world
• Kiwa – Guardian of the Pacific, symbol of protection and guidance

What’s Next

We understand this change may feel significant to some, and we acknowledge the memories and pride associated with the name James Cook High School. 

We will be taking our next steps carefully. 

This week at our dawn Matariki celebration, we will be holding a special ceremony to welcome the new name, Te Haikura ā Kiwa, to our kura.

We’ve shared this news with our staff and students and will gather feedback as we move ahead. 

Questions, including the introduction of the new uniform

The uniform and the name “James Cook High School” will remain until the end of 2026.

The change of uniform will happen officially in 2027 for year 9 and year 11 and anyone new to the kura. 

We will reveal the new logo and uniform this time next year, Matariki 2026 after we have consulted with our community.

Over the next 2 terms we want to listen to your voices and gather feedback. You may also want to be part of a focus group to discuss the new uniform, logo, or strategic direction. You can have your say by clicking on this link here.

We will ensure that the heartbeat of all who have journeyed through this kura will be kept alive. The name may be new, but the spirit of James Cook High School lives on.

We are proud to become KIWA. Different name. Same values. Stronger future. 

Let’s navigate this exciting future together.

Tina Filipo
Tumuaki

Feedback has been received from the community via our survey. Below is a pie chart that shows how our community is feeling about the name change.

Some parent/Caregiver feedback  

I love the name change, it far better reflects the community and direction for the kura

I think we should clean the slate and start anew. Statue and globe could be donated to a museum or community library

I think it’s important to consider what name we want to reflect who we are today and for our future generations. Given the history of Cook and the fact that a school is meant to inspire and serve our young, I think this is a great idea.

well, erasing history is not necessary to all work togethe

I haven’t seen the globe recently but I think you should keep it! Why not use this as a navigational tool to track where some of our ancestors might have traversed the oceans? The statue? If you keep it, this becomes a symbol of learning, history without glorifying it, facing the wrongs, why it remains and how we’ve grown since then. Move – to a place more appropriate such as the museum.

Over the next few months we will be holding focus groups within our community to gather more feedback about the name, branding and logo for Te Haikura ā KIWA. We will present findings to the new Board in October.