Working in partnership with iwi and hapu to develop a localised curriculum: Wairakei Primary School

Working with the resources developed by the Tuwharetoa Cultural Knowledge Project we have been able to personalise the learning for our students. We have been able to engage with the iwi and in turn they have supported us and helped guide us in the development of our school-based curriculum.

Paula Farquhar, Principal

In 2009 the Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board’s Education section approached a group of primary and secondary schools and early childhood centres in their local area to work together to develop a set of student resources based on local iwi and hapū knowledge. 

Schools in the Taupō area have worked in partnership with Ngāti Tūwharetoa to ensure students learn about their iwi, its history, places, and stories. 

This story from the NZC Online website’s School Snapshot series details Wairakei Primary School’s journey.

Questions / Things to think about

1. How do you promote and value Maori students’ cultural experiences and current issues within your lessons?
2. What evidence do you have that your Maori students believe their cultural experiences have a worthwhile place in your classroom? Has the school and iwi come together to discuss these opportunities?
3. What do your school whānau think about the school engaging with the local iwi? How can whānau support the school to engage with the iwi?