We are Grace and Vicky, and we have the privilege of leading the Māori and Pasifika Cultural Leadership team at Te Kura o te Mātāpuna Isleworth School. Together, we are passionate about fostering a vibrant and inclusive cultural environment that celebrates diversity, creativity, and collaboration within our school community. We’re excited to work alongside students, staff and whānau to create meaningful experiences that inspire and enrich everyone at Isleworth!

Projects happening in 2025: 

• Creating a student-led cultural leadership team to empower our young tamariki and their cultures

• Kapa Haka every Tuesday with our talented tutors Norm and Bonnie Paul from Matua & Tamahine Kapahaka

  • Performing at the following events:

    • School Mihi Whakatau each term

    • Opening performance at School Fair

    • Cultural Festival

    • Tūhono

    • Celebrate Bishopdale

• Rebranding of the Kapa Haka uniform to align with the school’s cultural narrative and logo

• Purchasing short poi for performances

• Organise whānau and community events to celebrate cultural diversity

• Developing staff cultural competency through professional development

What we’re looking to achieve in 2025: 

• Starting up a Pasifika group 

  • Try and get someone with expertise into school to teach the tamariki once a week

  • Potentially participate in Pasifika events such as Sau Ia Pasifika Festival 

• Working closely with Breens Intermediate and other schools in the Kahui Ako to provide opportunities for ākonga to experience cultural performances and mentorship