Musings of a Deputy Principal

I have recently watched a Ted talk by Tama Iti and it certainly was powerful.   You can find the video here: From the video I have made the following points: The issues in relation to equity for Māori learners are not only issues for Māori, these are global issues.  We must speak up about equity and inequity in education, we must talk about the importance of cultural responsiveness and why the NZ education system does not do justice for ALL learners.  Make people uncomfortable, question their beliefs and make your voice heard.    Kanohi ki te kanohi - talk with people face to face and get on their level.    Just because someone has authority does not mean they have mana.   There are huge links with mana and manaakitanga, leading with moral purpose.  The injustices and struggles with equity for Māori are not going to go away without action, discussion and change.  Māori people are not going away, just...

Te Tiriti o Waitangi - are the values alive? The New Zealand Curriculum (2007) states that “The curriculum acknowledges the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and the bicultural foundations of Aotearoa New Zealand.  All students have the opportunity to acquire knowledge of te reo Māori me ōna tikanga” (p.9). As educators we are often asked ‘Are you enacting Te Tiriti of Waitangi?’ and almost everyone answers yes.  But do educators truly know what this means?  Often this is hard for teachers to explain or put into words. I believe that one of the ways that educators can start making progress towards enacting the treaty is by looking at the 3 P’s or the Principles of the treaty.  These principles are partnership, participation and protection. I am constantly growing my knowledge of the treaty and the principles and how these are enacted throughout my pedagogy and philosophy, my journey is growing and evolving with knowledge and time.  Here are ...