February 17, 2026

#kura: Reopening the Kura Against All Odds

Dale Husband Posted On February 17, 2026

Dale Husband #kura: Reopening the Kura Against All Odds

In a powerful show of commitment to their tamariki and community, Taiarahia and Kararaina Ngātai-Melbourne were flown into Hicks Bay this morning after road access was cut off by a major slip, reopening Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Kawakawa mai Tawhiti despite ongoing isolation.

With key transport routes severed by recent weather events, the small East Coast community has once again been left cut off. But for the teaching couple, getting the kura open was non-negotiable.

They say reopening the kura was about restoring normality and stability for tamariki who have already endured days of uncertainty. In isolated communities like Hicks Bay, the kura is more than a place of learning – it is a hub of connection, routine and emotional support.

While helicopters may have been needed to get teachers in, the message to whānau was clear: education continues, and the community remains strong.

Students currently have access to basic classroom learning, pastoral care and the familiarity of their teachers and peers. The kura is working closely with whānau to ensure tamariki feel supported, with kai provision and regular communication helping maintain a sense of cohesion.

However, isolation brings real challenges. Access to specialist services, mental health support, external resources and supply deliveries remains constrained. Connectivity issues and the uncertainty of how long roads will remain closed add further pressure.

Whānau are balancing recovery work at home while trying to maintain schooling routines. For many, fuel supplies and travel costs remain ongoing concerns.

For Taiarahia and Kararaina, helping tamariki feel safe and settled is the immediate priority. Re-establishing routine, reconnecting through karakia and kaupapa Māori practice, and creating space for kōrero about recent events are central to their approach.

The kura is focusing on collective wellbeing, recognising that stress and disruption can manifest differently for each child. Being physically present in the classroom, despite the access challenges, sends a powerful signal that the adults in their lives are steady and dependable.

In small communities, that reassurance matters deeply.

As recovery continues and access to Hicks Bay remains uncertain, the focus is on resilience. The couple hopes to strengthen community networks, secure additional resources where possible and ensure the kura remains a pillar of support for whānau.

Longer-term, there is recognition that repeated weather events require more than temporary fixes. Infrastructure reliability and safe access to rural East Coast communities remain ongoing concerns.

For now, though, the image of teachers being airlifted in so tamariki can return to class speaks volumes about dedication to kaupapa Māori education and community wellbeing.

Against the odds, the kura is open – and in Hicks Bay, that means hope is too.