New plan to grow Ma¯ori leaders

Associate Education Minister and Te Tai Tokerau MP Kelvin Davis has announced a new education programme designed to grow future young Ma¯ori leaders through ma¯tauranga and te reo Ma¯ori.

Starting next year, the threeyear extension programme Te Kawa Matakura would be available to 15 to 25-year-olds who were skilled in te reo and other aspects of te ao Ma¯ori, supported by iwi and recognised by a formal qualification.

“Te Kawa Matakura is based on the concept of te iti mata tuhi ma¯reikura — developing excellent Ma¯ori advocates and leaders. It will improve outcomes and wellbeing for Ma¯ori students, and help deliver on a number of our Government’s priorities,” Mr Davis said.

“Along with Te Ahu o te Reo Ma¯ori, which I launched last week, this is going to help us secure the future of te reo Ma¯ori. This is also about valuing who we are as a country and a people. Our stories, language, culture and history are unique, and we must celebrate and preserve them.

“Growing the skills and knowledge of these young leaders will benefit their marae, iwi, communities, their own future career opportunities, and all of New Zealand.”

Participants would need to be endorsed by iwi leaders and wha¯nau, targeting those who were in their final years at wharekura / secondary school (15 to 18 years), and those aged up to 25 who had completed their formal education but displayed the necessary qualities and potential.

Key learning areas would include mo¯teatea, h¯ıtori Ma¯ori, whaiko¯rero, karanga, navigation, weaving and whakapapa.

Te Kawa Matakura would begin in Te Tai Tokerau, while the Ministry of Education would work with iwi, ma¯tanga Ma¯ori experts and sector stakeholders to develop a national framework. The ministry would also work with the NZQA to develop a qualification for graduates.