TE AO MĀORI IN THE INFORMATION ENVIRONMENT

MARAE-BASED LEARNING

In Aotearoa, the importance of learning tikanga Māori is pivotal in today’s society and to be educated about tikanga Māori, taking an immersion approach is best.

This is exactly what learners experience in Open Polytechnic’s Te Ao Māori in the Information Environment course – immersion in Māori culture through marae-based learning.

The course was held in March 2019 and invited learners to stay at Ōrongomai Marae located in Upper Hutt, where they spent time growing their skills and knowledge of Māori perspectives, and key protocols (ngā tikanga me ngā kawa) on marae.

Course leader, Te Paea Paringatai says, ‘Maraebased learning is where theory meets practice, creating a space where culturally responsive and relational education occurs. The marae as a place of learning is unique, enabling students to connect with each other, and for critical learning conversations to happen.’

‘Students of Te Ao Māori in the Information Environment – He Taiao Pārongo o te Ao Māori have the opportunity to apply their course learning independently and as part of a cohort to grow in confidence and application.’

Commencing with arrival at the marae, briefing on what to expect, organising the group so we move as one, the cohort were then welcomed onto Ōrongomai Marae applying local kawa with pōwhiri, where learners experience te ao Māori first-hand.

Learners’ spend time discussing tikanga, practicing mihimihi and pēpeha, and improving spoken te reo Māori through the use of waiata, group activities and discussion.

Nerissa Cottle who attended the noho marae says, ‘The noho marae was a fantastic experience! I got a lot out of it, and it was personally very healing. It deepens your understanding of tikanga Māori in ways that books and videos online just cannot. You have to live it. It has really inspired me to learn more te reo as well.’

Raewyn Lindsay, another attendee says, ‘The noho stay was such an amazing experience, and it is one I shall never forget! I would never have learnt what we learnt about tikanga Māori online either. For me, I feel it has solidified who I am, my confidence has soared, and the knowledge gained will be applied in my professional context with our ākonga and staff.’ Te Paea says, ‘I absolutely enjoyed the opportunity to connect with students. I believe this part of the learning relationship is critical to success when trying to understand and apply mātauranga Māori.’

‘I’d like to encourage all library and information practitioners to take up the opportunity to experience overnight noho marae and do this more than once in your lifetime.’

Find out more about Open Polytechnic’s Te Ao Māori in the Information Environment course by visiting the website here.