The revival of te reo Māori and mātauranga Māori is a deeply important aspiration for many whānau, often spanning generations. Bilingual units in schools have become a significant avenue for this revitalisation, providing tamariki with a nurturing environment to connect with their heritage, reo, and traditional mātauranga. These units not only support the growth of te reo Māori but also help tamariki develop a deeper understanding of their cultural identity.
Alongside these efforts, initiatives like Whāia te Oranga have emerged to address the broader needs of tamariki in bilingual education. A three-pronged approach, delivering wellness, sport, and cultural movement, was developed in direct response to feedback from kaiako, who had expressed the need for more resources to support tamariki hauora.
While there has long been an assumption that kaiako inherently possess the knowledge and tools to deliver culturally grounded hauora lessons, the reality is that many have felt they lacked the necessary resources and support to do so effectively. Whāia te Oranga addresses this gap by uniting practitioners who specialise in mātauranga Māori-based approaches, ensuring that tamariki receive the support they need to thrive, physically, mentally, and culturally.
Through Toi Mauriora, Ki-o-rahi Tāmaki Makaurau, and The Kindness Institute, tauira (students) engage in programmes that nurture both physical and mental wellness while deepening their connection to their culture. Toi Mauriora introduces tamariki to the discipline of mau rākau, passing down taonga tuku iho through the art of Māori martial traditions. Ki-o-rahi encourages teamwork and physical activity through sport, while The Kindness Institute’s Mauri Tau programme strengthens mindfulness and resilience through meditation, karakia, and breathwork.
What sets this initiative apart is its collaborative, culturally grounded approach, which not only addresses the holistic needs of tamariki but also ensures that bilingual units are prioritised. By bringing together mātanga (experts) from diverse fields, Whāia te Oranga creates a space for shared knowledge, best practice, and collective funding efforts, ensuring the sustainability of these vital programmes.
Systems Innovator Christian Curtis explains, “Our aim is for tamariki to receive culturally authentic experiences that enhance their hauora and connection to culture and identity. This combined approach is our way of ensuring that tamariki in bilingual units have consistent access to the taonga they teach, while also supporting kaiako who have been asking for more resources to deliver these experiences effectively.”
By moving beyond isolated efforts to a collective approach, Whāia te Oranga is not only enriching the lives of tamariki but also empowering kaiako and schools to create environments where culture, wellness, and identity are nurtured in tandem.
If you’d like to hear more about this mahi, please email Christian.Curtis@sportwaitakere.nz
