A conversation with Mangakino School Principal Cherie Hill 5th June 2025

🌱 Growing More Than Minds 🌱

In the heart of Mangakino Stands a school that is not only educating young minds but nurturing the roots of a resilient and thriving community. Mangakino School has been on a remarkable journey of revitalisation over the past few years emerging from a long period of challenge into a time of growth, purpose and connection.

A School reimagined by its people

Once an area school facing years of difficulty, Mangakino School has been steadily rebuilding its foundations with a clear vision, to meet the needs of its tamariki by listening closely to the aspirations of their Whānau.  As Cherie Hill puts it, " We started by asking our families, " what do you want for your children? And then we built from there."

The bottom up approach has transformed not only the culture of the school, but the way learning is delivered.  Rooted in care, creativity and community, the school's philosophy reflects deep respect for emotional wellbeing, cultural identity and holistic child development.

Where Learning Grows Organically

One of the school's most exciting developments is its flourishing garden and food forest initiative with raised garden beds. A large shade cloth tunnel house, and a future vision for tree planting, this green space will fast become a living classroom.

Students are hands on in the garden learning where food comes from, how to care for the soil and the importance of sustainability. " It's more than growing vegetables," Cherie explains.  "Its about growing knowledge, confidence, and connection to the whenua."

The garden provides fresh produce for the school's kai programme, and long-term plans include a food forest that will feed the children.  This initiative ties directly into the school's values: Sustainability, self-sufficency and shared responsibility.

A nurturing environment, inside and out.

It is a joint effort by Cherie, the amazing team that work at Mangakino School and the school children in working towards a more restorative, emotionally intelligent way of teaching.  Rather than discipline focused strategies, the staff focus on relationship building, understanding each child's unique journey, and offering steady encouragement.

Literacy and Numeracy achievement has grown significantly with over 80% of students showing marked progress but perhaps even more importantly, so has a culture of trust and belief.  teachers here are seen as leaders in their networks, sharing what it means to educate in a way that centres love. identity, and belonging.

Rooted in Community

The garden and food forest are also symbols of the broader partnership between the school and Mangakino's community.  Parents, caregivers, and local organisations are actively involved. Wheither through volunteering, sharing knowledge or helping secure resources.

As the school rebuilds its physical environment after years of limited investment, the support of the community remains a vital part of the journey.  Cherie welcomes collaboration, and sees the school as a central pillar of Mangakino's long term wellbeing.

Looking Ahead

Mangakino School isn't just a place of learning it is a place of regeneration, Under Cherie Hills compassionate and visionary guidance, it has become a beacon for what's possible when education is built on relationships, restoration, and real world connection.

In a world that often prioritises performance over presence, Mangakino School is gently but firmly reminding us that the most important thing we can grow in children is their sense of belonging to themselves, to their culture, and to the land. 

My thoughts

Those who know me will know how excited i am about the direction Mangakino School is heading, and the positive ripple effect it will have within our wider community. It's inspiring to see such care, connection, and vision in action.  I look forward to supporting this journey wherever i can and i know many others will too.