Whakapapa Decisions: Whānau Centric Campaign Drives Māori Representation In School Board Elections
School boards are where many of the most critical decisions about tamariki education are made, from how schools embed te ao Māori into the schooling experience, to how learning support and cultural safety are delivered, every day.
'We're amplifying the call for whānau, hapū and iwi to be part of those decisions, not just by voting, but by standing for election, facilitating conversations and adding critical information to their kete wānanga,' says Maxine Graham, Lead Technician for Mātauranga Iwi Leaders Group. 'This is about changing outcomes for our tamariki by ensuring Māori voices are strong and visible in the places where governance decisions are made.'
The campaign officially launched its visual phase last week at the National Iwi Chairs Forum (NICF) in Tūranga on Thursday 3 July, following on from positive engagement at the Ako Ararau Māori Expo (1–2 July).
The campaign includes digital resources, community kaupapa, visual stories and wānanga to build awareness and confidence among potential Māori nominees, voters, and school communities. It aims to strengthen whakapapa-driven leadership within school governance so that Māori identities, experiences, and aspirations are supported throughout all levels of the education journey.
About the Mātauranga Iwi Leaders Group:
MILG leads mātauranga and education responses for the National Iwi Chairs Forum. NICF exists to advocate and influence matters of national significance on behalf of iwi across Aotearoa. For more information, visit www.milg.co.nz
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