"Tama tū tama ora; tama noho tama mate"

He who stands lives; he who sits, perishes.

(An active person will remain healthy, while a lazy one will become sick).

It is a word of encouragement to urge youth to participate in activities and exercise.

This is a well known Māori whakataukī.  Whakataukī (proverbs) play a large role in Māori culture. Whakataukī are a poetic form of the Māori language often encompassing holistic perspectives and underlying messages.

Although it is not a direct translation, 'Tama Tū Tama Ora' is in close alignment with both our motto ‘Pergo et Perago’ (I pick up the work and carry it through), and our key value ‘Best For Boys’.