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South Auckland’s newest kura hourua-partnership school was opened this morning by Education Minister Hekia Parata.
Manukau Urban Maori Authority’s Te Kura Maori o Waatea in Mangere is enrolling tamariki aged 5 to 8.
Ms Parata praised MUMA for taking up the opportunity that National's coalition with ACT made possible, and doing it in the context of culture, language and identity.
She says while there has been opposition to the policy, it is in the nature of new models to engender discomfort.
That's good, because people should not be confortable about state education, despite its many strengths.
MUMA chief executive Willie Jackson says the authority wants to inspire aspiration and educational achievement in the community.
He says the kura meets the needs of some South Auckland whanau eager to see their tamariki thrive and prosper in a supportive holistic environment that incorporates Maori pedagogy and proven teaching methods.
Mr Jackson says rather than competing against mainstream school, kura hourua offer choice to whanau, many of whom have not experienced positive educational outcomes.
Tumuaki Tania Rangiheuea says the marae-based kura offers a culturally enriched environment.
Copyright © 2015, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com
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