The Waitekauri River flows south from the Coromandel Range, a 14-kilometre stream that joins the Ōhinemuri right here at Waikino. It is the first tributary to feed in; a fresh, bright stream running out of the bush.

Our youngest learners carry this name. Like the Waitekauri, they are at the start of their journey - full of energy, finding their flow.

The Waitawheta River rises in the Kaimai Range and flows 17 kilometres north through its own gorge before meeting the Ōhinemuri at Karangahake. Historical accounts describe it as a tributary of almost equal size to the upper Ōhinemuri where they meet; a powerful, pristine river.

Our next group of learners carry this name. Like the Waitawheta, they have found their strength. They are carving their own path through the rocks.

The Ōhinemuri is the main river of the gorge. It runs 28 kilometres from its source near Waihi, flowing westward through the steep-sided Karangahake Gorge; a canyon it carved between the Coromandel Range and the Kaimai Ranges. By the time it passes through the gorge, it carries the combined waters of the Waitekauri and the Waitawheta.

Our first group of senior learners carry this name. Like the Ōhinemuri, they have joined forces and combined their strengths. They are big enough to cut through mountains.

The Ōhinemuri emerges from the gorge, flattens out past Paeroa and empties into the Waihou River. The Waihou is one of the great rivers of the North Island - 150 kilometres long, draining nearly 2,000 square kilometres on its way to the Firth of Thames. It carries all the waters that began as small streams in the ranges.

Our oldest learners carry this name. Like the Waihou, they are wide and deep and ready. They support everything around them and they are heading out into the wide-open world.