Kere: The Guardian Kererū of Te Kura o Manunui

When the foundations of Te Kura o Manunui were being laid, the construction team noticed a remarkable sight—a kererū with striking golden brown feathers, unlike any they had ever seen. This extraordinary bird seemed unfazed by the noise and bustle of the construction site, making its presence felt each day.

Recognising the uniqueness of this kererū, the builders felt a responsibility to ensure its safety. During a lunch break, they gently captured the bird and relocated it to the native bush of Mauao, a place they thought would be a perfect sanctuary for such a special creature. However, their plan did not unfold as expected.

To their surprise, upon their return to the construction site, the kererū had already made its way back. It was clear then that the school was truly its home. The site, after all, was in an area known historically as Te Pā o Manunui, named for the abundant native birds that once thrived there. The kura seemed destined to become a new sanctuary for this kererū.

As the school neared completion, the kererū claimed a spot to settle—on the new surveillance camera outside the tumuaki (principal’s) office. By the time Te Kura o Manunui officially opened on January 27, 2024, the kererū was already an integral part of the community, warmly regarded by all who entered.

The children quickly took to calling the kererū ‘Kere’. They consider Kere more than just a visitor; he is a kaitiaki (guardian) of the kura, watching over the students, staff, and families. Every day, Kere can be seen in his favourite spot, his golden feathers shimmering in the sunlight, a silent guardian to all the activities at the school.

This kererū, now known to everyone as Kere, embodies the spirit of the school, connecting its past with its present and watching over the kura as it oversees future generations.

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The kererū or New Zealand pigeon is a species of pigeon native to New Zealand.