A Kāhui Ako is a group of education and training providers working together to help learners achieve their full potential. Also referred to as a Community of Learning (CoL), a Kāhui Ako can include early learning services, schools, kura, and post-secondary education providers. A Kāhui Ako sets shared goals, or achievement challenges based on the needs of its children and young people and then works with students, parents, whānau, iwi and communities to achieve those challenges. By collaborating and sharing expertise, students'learning pathways are supported and their transition through the education system improved.

By collaborating and sharing expertise, students'learning pathways are supported and their transition through the education system improved. This approach also provides more opportunities for parents, families and whānau and communities to be involved with their children and young people's learning. State and State-integrated schools and kura within a Kāhui Ako are funded to allow teachers time to work together on meeting the achievement challenges, drawing on each other's skills, knowledge, and experience.