A framework to advance te reo at NorthTec

NorthTec launched a new Ma¯ ori Capability Development Framework for staff ahead of Te Wiki o Te Reo — Ma¯ ori Language Week.

Koni Ahi — Sitting by the Fire, is designed to help boost Ma¯ ori student achievement and teach staff transferable skills in the development of Ma¯ ori cultural capability.

Acting chief executive Jon Smith said it was an important step for NorthTec in terms of supporting its Ma¯ ori a¯ konga (learners), helping it meet its commitments to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and to meet the expectations of the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology charter.

“Ma¯ ori students form a significant proportion of our existing learners, and this proportion will increase as the younger Ma¯ ori population leave school,” he said.

“The name Koni Ahi was chosen because it refers to the fact that we don’t sit beside a fire without purpose, but to gain warmth, individually and collectively. In essence, it is about taking collective action to meet the challenges of Ma¯ ori student achievement and ensuring that vocational training in Te Tai Tokerau is more responsive to the needs of the ha¯ pori (community).”

The framework was based around staff developing skills in the six key areas of whakapapa (genealogy and understanding its importance), te reo (language and pronunciation), tikanga (cultural practices), Te Tiriti (understanding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and how it applies to NorthTec), ako (Ma¯ ori teaching and learning theory) and ahurea (Ma¯ ori culture and society).

Meeting the competencies in the framework would form part of staff professional development, and performance reviews would be linked to the competencies. Tools would be available to help staff develop their knowledge.

NorthTec was in the process of appointing a staff member as Cultural Capability Lead, on a 12-month secondment, to embed Koni Ahi across the organisation.