Media Release Thursday 5th July 2012
Chairman appointed to head newly established Iwi Education Authortity
Respected Te Arawa elder and educationalist of long standing Toby Curtis has been appointed interim chairman of the
newly established Iwi Education Authority for Nga Kura-a-Iwi o Aotearoa.
Mr Curtis’ appointment received unanimous endorsement and acclamation from iwi representatives at their inaugural
meeting in Rotorua yesterday. In attendance were spokespeople from Te Tai Tokerau, Tamaki Makaurau, Mataatua, Te Arawa,
Ngai Tai, Hauraki, Ngati Manawa and the chairman of the professional arm of Nga Kura-a-Iwi o Aotearoa Pem Bird.
An ideal choice, has standing and credibility locally, regionally and nationally were some of the comments expressed
about Mr Curtis who was humbled by the confidence and trust placed in him. He reiterated the priority work of the Iwi
Education Authority of working alongside the professional arm of Nga Kura-a-Iwi o Aotearoa on the implementation of
their Te Tihi o Angitu project which focuses on developing schools as sites of excellence.
“We want all our tamariki mokopuna in all Nga Kura-a-Iwi o Aotearoa first and foremost to experience the very uppermost
pinnacles of success as iwi learners the ultimate aim of Te Tihi o Angitu.”
“We also want to make a contribution to Improving achievement for all Maori learners at a national level. The bottom
line for us is that not only do we expect to see discernible and measurable improvement in Maori achievement, but we
want to be part of the process that turns things around for us – across the board.”
“The continuing sorry saga that is the horrific Maori suspension rate, retention and participation in NCEA, let alone
achievement has been crying out for a response from Iwi. And we can make a start even if in a limited way in that
respect to begin with.”
Another exciting field of endeavour will be fostering links with the world indigenous community on educational and
cultural initiatives that grow our capacity for innovation and development that is consistent with the By Us, For Us and
in Our way Modus Operandi adopted by Nga Kura-a-Iwi o Aotearoa.
“We look forward with optimism to the challenges ahead and as Iwi I believe we have something new and different to bring
to the field of education.”
Other members representing the “Face of Iwi” Te Kahui Reo Taketake” with Mr Curtis are well respected leaders amongst
their own respective iwi with extensive knowledge and experience of the education system, Mainstream and Maori Medium.
These members (Reo Taketake) are ;
Tai Tokerau: Sonny & or Vicky George T.B.C
Tamaki Makaurau: Keepa Stirling & Ngati-Tahinga Wilson
Tainui Hauraki Waikato: Rahui Papa T.B.C
Mataatua: Iria Whiu, Pouroto Ngaropo
Te Arawa: Toby Curtis, Hinematau McNeil T.B.C
Ngai Tai: Muriwai Jones, Bettina Maxwell
Tuwharetoa Te Kanawa Pitiroi, Colin Rangi
Raukaua/Poneke Still to appoint
The inclusion of iwi the key feature of the Iwi Education Authority marks the fulfillment of the constitution of Nga
Kura-a-Iwi o Aotearoa which provides for iwi as an integral, natural component of Kura-a-Iwi.
ends