Meaning of Waingākau

Waingākau embraces the essence of nurturing. “Wai” refers to Heretaunga Haukunui (Heretaunga of the life-giving dews or water) and also to the two rivers Ngaruroro and Tukituki. Most importantly, within the spiritual and physical context, water is life.

“Ngākau” is the heart, the effection we have for each other as a whānau, and as a community.  At the heart of any good community is a nurturing core.  It also pays reference to the historical account of the lands embroidered in whakapapa.