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National | Kura Kaupapa Māori

New curriculum for Kura Kaupapa Māori

After 30 years of existence Kura Kaupapa Māori now have their own curriculum.

That means, Te Marautanga o Te Aho Matua launched in Kaitaia today at the hui ā tau of Te Rūnanganui o Ngā Kura Kaupapa Māori will replace the New Zealand curriculum and Te Marautanga o Aotearoa for those Kura Kaupapa Māori that adhere to Te Aho Matua.

In a statement by Te Rūnanganui o Ngā Kura Kaupapa o Māori o Aotearoa Tumuaki Toni Waho says:

“Kura Kaupapa Māori have been operating for 30 years now. Our long term vision and goal was always to operate our kura where Te Aho Matua is the basis for assessment, curriculum, evaluation and the school charter. Now that dream is finally been realised.”

The principles of Te Aho Matua are unique to kura kaupapa in that they acknowledge a holistic Māori approach as an integral part of learning.

Under the Government's Budget in 2011 Te Rūnanga Nui o Ngā Kura Kaupapa Māori were given $3 million over three years to develop Te Marautanga o Te Aho Matua curriculum.

“The marautanga is a collection of holistic programmes based on Te Aho Matua - the philosophy that defines the special character of Kura Kaupapa Māori.” says Toni Waho.

According to Waho, today is a celebration and a remembrance to those Kura Kaupapa Māori whānau who have passed on with two members in particular the late Dr Katerina Mataira a key figure in the development of Te Aho matua and the late Tuki Nepe a stalwart of Kura Kaupapa Māori.

Te Rūnanga Nui says Te Marautanga o te Aho Matua will continue to be developed and trialled.