What is the significance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi?

We all know the importance of reflecting the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi in the classroom, but what exactly does this mean and how are we along with Manaiakalani know if we're getting it right?

The NZC states: "The Treaty of Waitangi is one of eight principles in the NZC that provide a foundation for schools' decision making. The Treaty of Waitangi principle puts learners at the centre of teaching and learning, asserting that they should experience a curriculum that engages and challenges them, is forward looking and inclusive, and affirms New Zealand's unique identity."

Still confused?   Let's unpack the principles... 

The three "P's" as they are often referred to, are the principles of partnership, participation, and protection. These underpin the relationship between the Government and Maori under the Treaty of Waitangi. These principles are derived from the underlying tenets of the Treaty. They are used to bridge the gap between the literal differences between the Maori and English texts. 

Partnership

Partnership involves working together with iwi, hapu, whanau and Maori communities to develop strategies for Maori education. Partnership encourages and requires Maori to be involved at all levels of education sector, including decision-making, planning, and development of curriculum. 

• engaging with Maori community
• inquiry - place based learning
• Maori representation on BoT
• equity for Maori

Partnership relies on us welcoming and having genuine relationships with our Maori community. Historically for many Maori there have not been 'open door' policies and Maori have not felt welcomed and valued in some schools. Sometimes these relationships take time and effort. For most communities, once they feel there is genuine relationship building, they will be more than happy to be a part of the school and add expertise. 

Protection 

Protection means actively protecting Maori knowledge, values, interests, and other taonga. Identity, language, and culture are important expressions of what it means to be culturally located learner. Ka Hikitia (MoE, 2007) emphasises that "culture counts" and describes a commitment to "knowing, respecting and valuing where learners are, where they come from and building on what they bring with them."

• valuing, validating, and protecting local knowledge (place-based learning)
• normalising te reo Maori
• learning and including tikanga 
• equity for Maori

As leaders of learning and classroom teachers we are able to implement these principles everyday. Normalising te reo not only in our classrooms, but in staff hui, the staff room, on duty, during assemblies, and other areas. Adding a Maori perspective to learning and inquiry is an opportunity for us to weave tikanga and Maori viewpoint into everyday situations.  

Participation

The emphasis must be positive Maori involvement at all levels of education - "Increased participation and success by Maori through the advancement of Maori education initiatives, including education in Te Reo Maori, consistent with the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi."  

• working to strengthen home-school relationships
• learning environment reflecting the biculturalism of Aotearoa
• aspirations of Maori whanau reflected in school planning
• equity for Maori 

If we begin working on strong partnerships, participation will happen organically. I feel that as your whanau and community see that you genuinely want to move forward with Maori participation, the help is always offered. Coming from the place of honesty and wanting to make a difference for akonga puts you in a perfect space to be treaty partners. Maori participants are an asset to our school communities. Apologies for this long post, I kinda found the above point of views really resonate with me and felt they needed to be shared. Equity for Maori seems a key aspect, please feel free to comment and add what do you think?