Expanding Equity and Opportunities for All

Kerri Fitzgerald Head of Drama and Languages

Embracing the challenge

As New Zealand / Aotearoa surges forward to a new understanding of our history (propelled by a new Social Sciences curriculum), akonga (students) and pouako (teachers) have wholeheartedly embraced the wero (challenge) of Matauranga me akoranga Maori (Maori Rhetoric and Education).

Quoted from part of the Voices from Kia Eke Panuku series:

“Matauranga Maori in our mahi is not just creating a space for Maori ways of being and knowing, but valuing the richness that these whakaaro (ideas) bring to our kaupapa (agenda). It is understanding that there is no ‘one’ way to ‘know’ something. It is also understanding that the strength in our mahi (work) comes from multiple world views and the acknowledgement that Matauranga Maori can deepen and enhance other theories (e.g. critical theories)”. During 2021, our Pouako Maori (Maori Teacher) Maaka Kahukuranui led a series of compelling and invigorating workshops for teachers. 2022 is a year of change in a number of aspects. At the start of the year, staff were encouraged to participate in a Mihi Whakatau (welcome ceremony) which brought the Manuhiri (new staff and students) onto the school grounds. A series of karanga (calls) echoed around the Avenue and Kapa Haka performed an epic haka powhiri (welcome haka) as the manuhiri entered. Years 7 and 8 students have benefited from Kaumatua Maaka’s Te Reo lessons and the continued impact of tikanga Maori (Maori culture) is visible in the Kapa Haka training running for all the different year groups. The boys’ strong voices rise above the Avenue; their commitment and discipline is evident in their stance and their passionate performances. Two Year 6 students reflected:

“Kapa Haka is fun, interesting and you learn a lot about culture”.

Another boy reported:

“It feels very empowering; you feel happy because you are being energised by the surroundings.”

Whakamiharo (Wonderful)!

Teachers constantly observe how tikanga Maori is being honoured and valued increasingly within the School. This year, the Maori flag was raised for the first time to commemorate the Wiki o te Reo Maori (Maori Language Week) and 87% of teachers agree or strongly agree that they have gained confidence in their personal mihi (introduction).

Presently, teachers are working on using a larger repertoire of nga kupu whakatinana (commands) for the National Language wiki (week). A special focus on New Zealand place names is being planned for Term 4, with the prefects organising a school-wide quiz.

In the last weekend of the school holidays (23 to 24 July), 60 Medbury boys and 40 Selwyn House girls came together for a two day intense Kapa Haka workshop. Poi workshops for the girls and Mau Rakau (Maori Martial Arts) for the boys were held. The participants also learnt two waiata to the tune from Disney’s Aladdin: ‘Make way for Prince Ali’ as well as the Lion King’s: ‘I just can’t wait to be King’. Maaka reported: “Whanau, let me tell you, these kids can SANG!

The new NCEA change programme has an added emphasis; there will be equal status for matauranga Maori. Our boys will enter higher education and the workplace well equipped to stand proudly in their knowledge and understanding. “Education has the power to expand equity and opportunities for all.” (Armstrong D, 2019, p194).

Nau te rourou Naku te rourou Ka ora Te Reo Maori I te kura o Medbury

With your knowledge/experiences Combined with mine Te Reo Maori at Medbury will flourish

Kerri Fitzgerald Head of Drama and Languages