Building and growing cultural capability

"The Tapasā facilitators were fantastic. We had a variety of people from Tui Tuia and they understood teachers. And that's something that's really really important to bring that mana and credibility to a group of teachers, and to accommodate in a new way with a variety of activities that engaged us so we all had a greater understanding of the different Pasifika cultures."

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Ray Green, Deputy Principal, Sancta Maria College

"I feel more confident that my team, they have more Pasifika knowledge. I feel more confident that we are ensuring good outcomes for children. I feel confident that we're getting really good engagement with whānau  because they're appreciative and we can engage whānau because we talk about what the stories are and if they have stories and they're more engaged with us. Everybody's supportive, it's worked really well."

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Donna Leaf, Head Teacher at Mayfield Kindergarten

The PLD with Dr Lisa Watson has significantly improved the teacher's knowledge of Mātauranga Māori, therefore broadening ākonga/students’ Mātauranga Māori. The knowledge that Lisa shared was invaluable. This improved teaching and learning programmes because teachers had a much better understanding of the topics.  Lisa also shared many excellent resources that teachers were able to use in their classroom programmes. This had a very positive effect on ākonga/students’ engagement and outcomes.  

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Dr Lisa facilitated in the planning of Social Sciences and Science units of learning based on the Aotearoa New Zealand’s Histories curriculum, which has been of huge benefit. She has removed the hurdles, and the deficits that some teachers may have previously had. In addition to the work with teachers, Lisa worked with school leadership to develop a Māori Education Plan; she has also worked alongside us with the local schools and hāpū (Ngāti Rēhia) to begin developing a plan and set of resources for the local schools.  Her input has been invaluable and will certainly impact on the lives of our ākonga/students now and in years to come.

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Alison Ayr, Deputy Principal, Riverview School

“Developing cultural responsiveness in our teaching practices empowers our educators to enhance their understanding for our young Pasifika children, families and communities. It’s important for us to be aware of our interactions to empower our Pasifika families to know they have a place”.

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Deborah Jones, Head Teacher, Irongate Kindergarten

"Farm Cove Intermediate is loving working on the Tapasā project with the Tui Tuia team! We are inspired by the bespoke programme that is being curated to meet our context. Thank you for the respectful and skilled manner in which you are guiding us on our journey."

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Amanda Jaeger, Deputy Principal Tumuaki Tuarua

"Otaika Valley School had the privilege of working with Dr Lisa Watson last year developing our Te Reo school wide programme. Lisa immediately put all teachers and myself as principal at ease as developing learners. The hands-on modelling and support within classrooms was a standout and transformed into a commitment and confidence for all."

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Terry Brock, Principal, Otaika Valley School

"Taradale Intermediate has had the honour of having Sharron Fabish as part of our whānau at Taradale Intermediate for the past 7 years. Sharron has worked alongside our kaiako, guiding, mentoring and facilitating the journey we have been on with Te Reo and Te Ao Māori and a specific focus in the past 2 years of developing our Culturally Responsive and Relational Pedagogy.  Sharron’s approach is grounded in whanaungatanga and manaakitanga which has brought about a passion and a commitment, in our kaiako, to be part of this challenge to make a real difference in the lives of our ākonga."

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Robyn Eddy, Acting Principal Taradale Intermediate

"Our school has worked alongside Marian for a number of years now.  She understands the challenges and pitfalls for our staff and works hard to support, encourage and resource our team on our individual and collective journeys.  Because of her fresh, passionate and personable approach to PLD, we are always excited to see what new learning she has in store for us all."

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Michelle Brown, Principal Waipipi School