Kāhui Ako leaders share their knowledge and experience

By Education Gazette editors

Issue: Volume 97, Number 10

Posted: 7 June 2018

Reference #: 1H9j89

Leaders from across the country gathered at the end of May to share knowledge and look at the future direction of their Kāhui Ako.

Every group who attended were at a different stage in their Kāhui Ako journey but hearing others’ stories and learning from their experiences was powerful for many participants.

Here is what some of the leaders had to say in Wellington.

“If we interact with the world according to boundaries we have in our head and can’t imagine a different future…we’re likely to recreate the same world in perpetuity,” says presenter Brian Annan.

“We’re looking at how we can integrate hauora into our teaching of writing and maths and we’ll be taking the time to reflect on what we are doing and where we go next,” says Mata Nui o Kahungunu Kāhui Ako Across School Leader Karen Paku.

North Porirua Kāhui Ako representatives Catherine Lunjevich and Asmita Rama say it is important to have the bravery to get rid of what isn’t working. “We’re going to go back and look at our why,” says Catherine.

“Distributive leadership where all key stakeholders step up and play a part is the way forward” says Asmita

Patricia was inspired by Mary Chamberlain “She builds the big picture and reminds us why we are here. She gave us concrete tools.”

“It’s not about what the vision is, but what it does. What does it do for your community?” says presenter Mary Chamberlain.

Nelson City representatives Erina Tuhakaraina and Miranda Hart found it heartening to hear that others are looking at things like culturally responsive teaching through the same lens. Erina also stressed the importance of taking time in the set up phase to build strong relationships. “It is about the slow wins rather than the quick burns.”

“Coming together makes you realise that we are all on the same journey,” says Palmerston North East Lead Peter Brooks