The recent blessing and ceremonial unveiling of Cascades Kindergarten’s new pou Te Kauwhanga was the culmination of a project that begun in 2022 as part of our continuing journey as a Green Gold Enviroschool.
Carved by artist and longtime Enviroschools collaborator Donald Jessep, the pou embodies our shared values of kaitiakitanga, cultural identity, and intergenerational learning.
What makes this pou truly extraordinary is its material and whakapapa. It is carved from a section of ancient swamp kauri, unearthed from the Awakeri Wetlands in Papakura and carbon dated by the University of Waikato to be over 55,980 years old!
The pou is the result of incredible community involvement. At every stage, this project has brought
together generations of learners,
teachers, families, and supporters in a
shared kaupapa—making it a true
reflection of collective care and vision.
- Tamariki chose the animals and
- elements to be represented.
- Whānau contributed monetary koha and supported every step of the process
- Cultural guidance and blessings have come from local iwi and marae
- The carving itself has been gifted through two years of voluntary mahi from our carver Donald—offered as awhi, not income.
Te Kauwhanga is a taonga that tells the story of Papatūānuku and Ranginui, held apart by Tāne Mahuta
and his creations — including tamariki themselves, represented by a carved footprint. Surrounding them are native birds, plants, and animals chosen by our own children — pīwakawaka,
kahukura, tuna, tuatara, harakeke, pōhutukawa — each carved with care and meaning, designed to
provoke wonder, conversation, and deep learning
Installed on a secure, rotating base
indoors, Te Kauwhanga will serve as a daily, interactive learning tool for generations of tamariki. It’s tactile design invites hands-on exploration. It’s symbolism encourages storytelling and environmental action. It’s presence affirms the importance of connection— to whenua, to people, and to learning that lives beyond the classroom. Thanks to Lisa Monk Photography for photographing the event.
The event was videoed and shared on Māori TV