The Ngaruawahia High School Crest

The crown on the top of the crest signifies the sllegiance of this school to the Queen, as Head of the Brittish Commonwealth, while the two covers joining into one sybolise the integration of Maori and Pakeha.
Seven districts - Glen Massey, Orini, Horotiu, Taupiri, Te Kowhai, Waipa and Ngaruawahia - contribute students to the school, and each star represents a contributing district.
The three books represent:
The Bible - as the foundation of our faith
The Knowledge we are learning
The History we are helping to make

Translated literally, the motto - "Wahia Nga Rua" means "Open the Food Pits"
This goes back to the 17th century when Ngaere, the son of a Waikato Chief, married Heke i te Rangi against
the wishes of her father, a Chief of Ngati Maniapoto. When a son was born to them, it was decided to hold a feast
and invite Ngati Maniapoto.
The invitation was accepted, and following the welcome, Ngaere's father held up the baby saying that he named it Te Mana o te Rangi
in honour of the reconciliation with Ngati Maniapoto.
Ngaere the arose and called out "Wahia Nga Rua"
From these words "Ngaruawahia" was coined.