Hon Kelvin Davis
Associate Minister of Education
23 July 2018 PĀNUI PĀPĀHO
MEDIA STATEMENT
Associate Education Minister Kelvin Davis is hosting an impressive group of 12 Māori experts in Wellington today to help
realise the potential for two education initiatives flagged in this year’s Budget.
The group will help the Government develop the parameters for two Māori education initiatives: Te Ahu o te reo Māori and
Te Kawa Matakura.
“There’s huge potential for this if we get it right,” Kelvin Davis said.
“Te Ahu o te reo Māori will support teachers to deliver te reo in the classroom and is the start of our plan to better
integrate te reo across the education system.
“The demand is there. The teaching workforce has a number of teachers who have good capability in te reo and are looking
for ways to improve their confidence to use it every day in their classrooms.”
“Te Kawa Matakura is a response to calls to pilot a traditional wānanga Māori. The vision is to produce rangatahi
conversant in mātauranga Māori in mind, body and wairua.
“This has long been the dream of our elders and Te Kawa Matakura is a first step to its realisation,” Kelvin Davis said.
The think tank is a one-off. Kelvin Davis said the level of expertise available for the workshop was impressive.
“We mustn’t be afraid to ask for help particularly when there’s an unparalleled wealth of knowledge available at our
doorstep,” Kelvin Davis said.
Attendees:
Sir Timoti Kāretu KNZM
Moe Milne ONMZ
Dr Will Edwards
Kingi Kiriona
Quinton Hita
Rahui Papa
Darlia Walker
Paraone Gloyne
Pakake Winiata
Dr Poia Rewi
Dr Hana O ’Regan
Dr Ruakere Hond
Additional information for reporters:
• Te Ahu o Te Reo Māori is a package of initiatives to support teachers to use te reo Māori in the classroom. It will target teachers who are
already teaching te reo, and those who have the potential but not the confidence.
Teachers will have access to tailored courses, peer networks and resources to increase their capability, proficiency and
confidence to deliver te reo Māori in the classroom.
• Te Kawa Matakura will target two groups of rangatahi; those in their final years at wharekura and secondary school (16-18yrs), as well as
16-25 year olds that no longer attend formal education but display a high level of Māori language proficiency and strong
leadership skills.
Te Kawa Matakura will provide a platform for children to learn and grow in an environment steeped in tribal bodies of
knowledge alongside Māori expertise, wisdom and guidance.
The key learning areas will include mōteatea, hītori Māori, karanga, whaikōrero and karakia.
ends