Mātauranga Māori Some 700 years ago, using the stars and ocean currents as navigational guides, the explorer Kupe ventured across the Pacific in his waka hourua (sailing waka) from his ancestral Polynesian homeland of Hawaiki, and discovered Aotearoa, the land of the long white cloud. The connection to this land, and a need to survive and prosper, encouraged those early settlers to develop knowledge and to find systems of learning to suit these far-flung islands. This mātauranga (knowledge) and tikanga (cultural principles) are indigenous and endemic, and they are a taonga (treasure) for us all.
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he curriculum we offer at Diocesan is one that serves to expand knowledge and capabilities for life beyond school. As our students move into the wide world, and into their adult lives, they will need to be confident in the diverse communities of Aotearoa if they are to make decisions that might positively contribute to our country. We must ensure that Te Tiriti o Waitangi is understood and is woven into our public discourse, and as we become increasingly aware of our own history it becomes evident that our future
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prosperity will rest upon greater enlightenment. In a wide range of academic, professional and social contexts, Te Ao Māori (the Māori world) is becoming increasingly well represented. There is a greater need for tomorrow’s leaders to have a deeper understanding of tikanga and te reo Māori (Māori language). We are ambitious that our girls will be prepared to lead on social issues and contribute towards building a more equitable society. We want to create a space for students to hear the voice and stories of those who are not often heard and to foster understanding of the root cause of social disparities, and meaningfully consider how they might be reconciled. Our young country has such growth ahead of it. In 2021 we will be launching our Mātauranga Māori programme to all students in Year 7 and Year 8, and in 2022 expand to include Year 9 and Year 10. Our students will all have the opportunity to learn alongside our experienced kaiako (teachers) in the school wharenui, immersing themselves in Te Ao Māori. Mātauranga Māori is a programme designed to educate learners of a Māori worldview and indigenous knowledge systems. The purpose of this course is to give the students a deeper understanding of Aotearoa, as well as decoding the stories, values and beliefs that shape the culture. Māori culture is an integral part of Kiwi life and is the unique, dynamic and foundational element to
“Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou ka ora ai te iwi.” “With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive.”
the national identity of New Zealanders. Having a deeper understanding of the nation’s first peoples will strengthen our identity and help us to authentically and sincerely embrace the many diverse cultures of Aotearoa today. Four strands of learning are woven across the year levels to progressively build knowledge and understanding. This programme will be delivered from a Māori perspective and in Englishspeaking schools represents a first in New Zealand secondary schools. The programme draws upon Te Marautanga o Aotearoa curriculum and the teaching philosophy of Tātaiako. Te Ao Māori will grow an understanding of how ideas, values and stories are communicated through art, oral traditions, karakia, waiata, poi, haka, moteatea (traditional chants) and whakatauki (proverbs). In Mana Taonga, students will learn of taonga in all its forms, about the characteristics and actions of kaitiaki (guardians) in accordance with kōrero tuku iho (oral traditions) and how these stories, values and ideas are carried out as tikanga in the community. Te Ao Hurihuri will focus on a historical case study and identify the current impact on Māori
