Maori Teachers Conference, 7-9 July 2003

Ko te Matauranga Te Kaupapa We stand for education.

Media Release

4 July 2003

Our children matter
Maori Teachers Conference, 7-9 July 2003

This year’s ninth annual PPTA Maori Teachers Conference, Ko Ngä Tamariki te Pütake o te Kaupapa – our children matter, opens in Taupo on Monday.

PPTA’s Apiha Maori Te Makao Bowkett says the conference focuses on why people choose to enter teaching: because they love children and want them to succeed.

“At last year’s conference, we focused on our role as teachers and professionals. This year it is natural to follow on from that and look at why we are teaching. And the answer is that we do it for our tamariki.”

The conference will be opened by National List MP and Tuwharetoa member Georgina Te Heu Heu. Other key note speakers include Apryll Parata, a director of Te Hiringa i te Mahara - The Power of the Mind, a Ministry of Education-funded project on Maori teacher workload and professional development, and writer, artist and healer Nina Larisch Haider.

A guest panel comprising former Silver and Black Ferns representative Louisa Wall, Greens Party education spokesperson Metiria Türei and Bishop Max Mariu will also explore issues such as Maori teacher workload, qualifications pathways, the NCEA, cannabis and behaviour, Iwi partnerships and the role of te reo Maori.

The conference is being held at the Suncourt Motel and Conference Centre in Taupo from 7-9 July. A programme is attached. For more information, contact Te Makao Bowkett, ph 04-913-4234, mobile 021 661 743.

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