Black Ferns show path for education

The infectious and joyful enthusiasm in this team of remarkable women [the Black Ferns] is leveraged with reason and rigour, and was a masterclass in how education could be for our tamariki.

So beautifully led by Wayne Smith who listened and responded, respecting and understanding them, believing and trusting in their ways and fusing their knowledge with his own.

At a time of great concern for our education system, we need to ensure these values and principles are front and centre. Core to this approach is figuring out how each child learns, instilling curiosity and self-belief, acknowledging struggle, celebrating achievement and setting high standards.

Each step being carefully and lovingly supported, and of course having fun, ‘hard fun’.

Eve Owen, Lower Hutt