Waikato-Tainui Launches Education Plan

Waikato-Tainui Launches Education Plan

Waikato-Tainui has launched an education plan that it hopes will see all members connected with their marae, 80 percent fluent in te reo Maaori, and all members aged 15-plus with an education qualification by 2050.

The plan, named Ko te Mana Maatauranga, is aligned to the goals of the tribe’s 50-year high level strategic plan, Whakatupuranga 2050, and has been developed following extensive research, and consultation with tribal members and the education sector.

Parekawhia McLean, Chief Executive of the Waikato Raupatu Lands Trust, said the plan embodied the hopes, dreams and aspirations of tribal members and incorporated educational development in its widest context for Maaori.

“This is a plan that is led by the principle that whaanau is at the heart of lifelong learning and that Waikato-Tainui will support all members to access educational opportunities throughout their lifetime,” said Ms McLean.

“It seeks to uplift our people and empower them to pursue meaningful pathways, be committed to Kiingitanga, grounded in tikanga, fluent in our reo and connected to marae and whakapapa (genealogy),” she said.

The plan built on the progress achieved by previous tribal education plans and identified three priorities:

Priority one: Fluency of Waikato reo and tikanga
The identity, history and continuity of Waikato-Tainui are captured within its reo, tikanga and places of special significance. This priority focuses on lifting fluency in the Waikato dialect from 31 percent* in 2015 to over 80 percent by 2050.

Priority Two: Meaningful Pathways
This priority supported members to develop their interests into purposeful and meaningful pathways. It emphasises developing contexts for learning around a diverse range of options which are grounded in reo, tikanga and Kiingitanga principles. It focuses on increasing the number of members aged 15-years and older and with a qualification from 77 percent* in 2013 to 100 percent in 2050.

Priority Three: Marae Connectedness
Marae are the lifeblood of Waikato-Tainui and are at the heart of the tribal community. This priority focuses on building marae as centres of learning around identity and belonging. It is aimed at increasing connectedness and engagement from 70 percent* in 2015 to 100 percent by 2050.

Ms McLean said milestones had been developed at 10-year intervals leading to 2050. The plan was a living document and would be reviewed and updated as progress was achieved.

“Among the aspirations that tribal members expressed during the crafting of this plan is that our people are confident and proud, that learning opportunities are enjoyed inter-generationally, and that they are innovative and leading change. Our responsibility is to enable those aspirations to be met so that our people are succeeding in all aspects of educational and maatauranga Maaori learning,” she said.

ENDS

© Scoop Media