The History Of Our Place

The narrative behind the naming of our area:

Hineāmaru was the daughter of Torongare (Ngati Kahu) and Hauhaua, grand daughter of Uenuku, and great grand daughter of the famous Ngāpuhi ancestor, Rāhiri.

She lived, over 400 years ago, in a place called Waimamaku. Her father fell out with his wife’s people, so they left their home, along with a group of followers, in search of a new place to live.

After travelling for a long time, and stopping in many places along the way, they eventually settled in Waiōmio. Hauhaua died during the long journey, and Torongare had become old and no longer able to lead his people, so Himeāmaru immediately became the rangatira (leader).

As a leader, Hineāmaru built Pa in various locations, she led expeditions through the Waiōmio Valley and Taumarere to the fishing grounds and pipi gathering areas, she set fire to dead rata trees in Paparata, clearing land to plant kumara, and she discovered caves and valleys during her many travels.

Hineāmaru met Koperu of Ngati Wai, at his home on the shore of the Taumarere River. They were married and a huge hangi of pipi was cooked in her honour.

Hineāmaru continued to travel all around Te Tai Tokerau, visiting her many whanaunga (relations). Travel could take days, weeks or even months, and Hineāmaru would leave clues or markers to show the way home again.

She would often stop to rest in a limestone formation, now known as “Te ritenga o Hineāmaru,” when she traveled through Waro and Te Māra o Kauwhata (Hikurangi township and Hikurangi swamp). 

This particular area was all native bush, with many large Kauri growing in the region. It is said that Hineāmaru marked these Kauri by scraping bark off particular Kauri trees to indicate the way home. These tohu (signs) were also an indication for her whānau, to show that they were on the right path. 

Hineāmaru often travelled to the takutai moana (coastal area) from Waiōmio to visit the people of her husband Koperu. She also travelled South towards Maungatapere, where her father would often be. 

Hineāmaru was a rangatira of great mana. She occupies a place of honour in the form of carved Pou in many meeting houses throughout the North today. 

Kauri - Agathis Australis - largest forest tree but found only in the Northern North Island. Soot from burnt Kauri gum was used for tattooing.

Hohore - 1. (Verb) (-a) to peel, strip off, pluck

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The land for the school and the church was given by Mr. Hugh McKenzie.  At first, starting in August 1861, lessons were taught in the church.  In 1877 the school was built by Donald and Alex McLoed.  The name of the school comes from a Kauri tree which had been struck by lightening, giving the appearance that the bark had been stripped off.
Although there are some gaps in records much is to be said of the gallant and patient bands of school committees and dedicated teachers that have battled through these early years to make Kaurihohore the school it is today.  There have been two attempts by some residents to have it consolidated with Hikurangi or Kamo school, but this was hotly contested.

It was during the first World War, that the school grounds, along with property from several surrounding farms, were requisitioned by the Army, which stationed the Maori Battalion and the 2nd Hauraki Regiment there.

In 1918 a Puriri tree was planted celebrating Peace, World War 1.  This Puriri tree stands proudly at the front of the school today.  In 2002 another tree was planted in the area that is now the native garden.  This was grown from a seed of the original tree.

In 1942 the school was burned down and lessons were held in the Kauri Hall.  Consolidation with another school was again considered, but decided against.

The new school was opened on the 15th of April 1948.