As we approached Waitangi Day, an essential conversation emerged from the heart of New Zealand’s education sector. Secondary teachers across the nation, represented by the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua, are making a fervent plea to the government: to persist in affirming and advancing Te Tiriti o Waitangi within the educational framework. This call to action is not just about preserving a legacy but about nurturing a future where ākonga Māori can continue to thrive within a system that respects and integrates their cultural heritage.
The Impact of Honouring Te Tiriti Obligations
PPTA Te Wehengarua Māori vice president Te Aomihia Taua-Glassie highlights the transformative effect that honouring Te Tiriti obligations has had on ākonga Māori achievement. The establishment of kura kaupapa Māori, wharekura, and kura an iwi within the public education system has been a game-changer. These institutions have provided a platform for rangatahi to excel, fostering an environment where learning through te reo Māori is not just encouraged but celebrated.
A Culturally Responsive Learning Environment
The educational landscape in New Zealand today is markedly different, with a culturally responsive context for learning that embraces Te Ao Māori. From Te Ao Haka to pōwhiri and whakatau led by rangatahi, the presence of te reo Māori and Māori cultural practices in schools symbolises a significant shift towards inclusivity. These elements are now woven into the fabric of daily school life, offering all ākonga a rich, immersive learning experience.
The Groth of a Māori-Centric Education System
PPTA Te Wehengarua president Chris Abercrombie underscores the commitment of secondary teachers to the development of an education system that not only promotes but enhances Māori success as Māori. Schools must become havens where ākonga Māori and their whānau feel a profound sense of belonging and connection. This vision aligns with the foundational principles laid down in 1974 when the PPTA Te Wehengarua national executive supported the inclusion of Māori culture in the curriculum.
The Evolution of Māori Education
Over the past five decades, notable strides have been made towards giving mātauranga Māori its due recognition within the New Zealand Curriculum. The incorporation of mana ōrite mō te mātauranga Māori in NCEA and the introduction of a history curriculum that confronts our colonial past are milestones worth celebrating. These changes not only educate but empower rangatahi, connecting them with their identity and heritage.
The Need for Support and Authenticity
The partnership between local iwi, hapū, and the education sector is crucial for the development of resources that ensure the authenticity of mātauranga Māori. School leadership must have access to professional learning and advice to foster genuine Te Tiriti relationships, ensuring that the legacy of mātauranga Māori continues to enrich our education system.
A Call to Action
As we reflect on the progress made, Te Aomihia Taua-Glassie voices a concern shared by many: the potential rollback of decades of advancement due to changes in the curriculum and a devaluation of Te Reo Māori. The apprehension felt by secondary teachers, especially on the eve of Waitangi Day, underscores the critical nature of the government’s stance on Te Tiriti and its implications for New Zealand’s future.
The Message
The message from secondary teachers is clear: the affirmation and advancement of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in education are non-negotiable. It’s a call for reflection, a plea for acknowledgment, and, most importantly, a directive for action. As we commemorate Waitangi Day, let’s also commit to a future where every ākonga in Aotearoa has the opportunity to succeed, rooted in an education system that honours their heritage and propels them forward.
