Mātauranga Māori

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As educators in Aotearoa New Zealand, it is important that we continue to grow our understanding of te ao Māori, te reo Māori, tikanga Māori, and mātauranga Māori. This is not simply because it is reflected in curriculum expectations, but because it is part of who we are as a nation. Developing this understanding helps us create learning environments where all young people feel valued, connected, and able to succeed.

Recently, all staff participated in a professional learning session led by Professor Karyn Paringatai, focusing on mātauranga Māori. While many people look for a simple definition, the reality is that mātauranga Māori is a vast and complex body of knowledge, understanding, values, and lived experience that has been developed and passed down through generations.

As Lizzie Clark said to staff, "How do we unpack something so big as mātauranga Māori?" The simple answer is that it cannot be taught or understood fully in the space of a single 40-minute professional development session.

Professor Paringatai challenged us to think differently about how we approach this learning. Mātauranga Māori does not fit neatly into a textbook or curriculum document with a set sequence and prescribed answers. It is not necessarily linear. Rather, it is a way of understanding, experiencing, and relating to the world. It is as much about relationships, values, identity, and perspective as it is about knowledge itself.

This raises important questions for educators. How do we ensure we are engaging genuinely in this space? How do we meaningfully connect te reo Māori, tikanga Māori, and mātauranga Māori in ways that enrich learning for all students? How do we continue to grow our own understanding when many of us have not had formal training in these areas?

The purpose of this this session was not to provide all the answers. Instead, it encouraged reflection. Before moving forward, we must first understand where we are starting from.

As part of this process, staff have been asked to identify their own baseline: What do I know? What do I understand? How do I feel about this area of learning? What would I like to know more about? What barriers might exist for me personally?

The responses gathered from staff will be collated by Professor Paringatai and used to shape a future session that responds directly to the needs and questions of our teaching staff. This approach recognises that meaningful growth begins with honest reflection and a willingness to learn.

This work aligns strongly with the direction of education in New Zealand. The Ministry of Education's curriculum framework, Te Mātaiaho, highlights the importance of ensuring all learners experience inclusive and equitable education that reflects the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and recognises the diverse knowledge systems that shape our country.

Similarly, the Ministry's Māori language and education strategies emphasise that all New Zealanders should value te reo Māori and understand its place within our national identity, while education services should incorporate Māori language, identity, and culture into their practices. (Ministry of Education)

A whakataukī that captures the spirit of this journey is:

"E kore au e ngaro, he kākano i ruia mai i Rangiātea."

I will never be lost, for I am a seed sown from Rangiātea.

This whakataukī reminds us of the importance of identity, belonging, and understanding where we come from.

Another that resonates strongly with education is:

"Mā te huruhuru ka rere te manu."

Adorn the bird with feathers so it may fly.

As a school, we want every young person to be equipped with the knowledge, skills, character, and cultural understanding that will allow them to thrive in an increasingly connected and diverse world.

Our learning about mātauranga Māori is not a destination but a journey. By approaching it with curiosity, humility, and a willingness to learn, we can continue to strengthen our understanding and better serve all members of our school community.

I think this strikes the right balance between acknowledging the complexity of mātauranga Māori, explaining why the PLD matters, and reassuring parents that the focus is thoughtful reflection and professional growth rather than a one-off training session.