Hero photograph
 
Photo by Maria Tini

Kāhui Rangatahi work to integrate bicultural values & normalise Te Reo Māori in our kura, working with teachers as often as possible.

Maria Tini —

In preparation for Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, we decided to hold more interactive & practical activities to encourage engagement. This included running an inter faculty competition for Te Reo Māori to flow inside & outside of our classrooms.

As a result, many students & teachers have grown confidence in the continuation of learning, sharing & speaking Te Reo Māori every day. We worked with staff using the six principles of Cultural Relationships for Responsive Pedagogy and we used the traditional art of tītītōrea.  


Image by: Maria Tini


We ran lunch time workshops of poi and tītītōrea, slowly incorporating native tongue to encourage non-fluent speakers to attend. The connection of culture and language was taught through quizzes of Māori history. As teachers, we noticed that students felt more comfortable coming to kaupapa Māori when prior knowledge wasn’t needed. In reflection of our week, the growth & new normalisation of everyday Māori has been amazing. Our multicultural assembly was a hit with a variety of interesting items. Kiwaha taught were remembered and are used throughout our school. Cooperation was evident in everyone who knowingly & unknowingly participated. 

Image by: Aramoana Mohi Maxwell

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our Kaiako who were so enthusiastic and showed us all how much they were willing to learn about our culture. The week was so much and fun and we loved working alongside you.

And finally, as rangatahi, we hope the foundation laid this year is the new standard for the resurgence of mātauranga Māori to be clear & strong in our kura - mo ngā uri e whai ake nei.

Nāku noa nei, nā

Maria Tini

Kohine Whakarae 2020