Educators in several regions say tamariki Māori are beginning to express confusion and anxiety following political debate about removing Treaty of Waitangi requirements from school governance and curriculum guidelines.
Teachers in South Auckland, Rotorua and Whangārei say students have been asking whether it is still “okay” to learn te reo Māori or participate in kaupapa Māori activities. Some kaiako report a rise in whakamā among students who normally feel confident engaging in tikanga and cultural work.
One teacher told Waatea News that her Year 7 students asked whether their kapa haka group might be shut down. Another staff member said a Māori student approached her in tears after hearing adults arguing about the Treaty at home.
Principals say the mixed messaging between government decisions and school-level commitments is creating uncertainty. Many boards have chosen to keep honouring te Tiriti, but students are still hearing conflicting information from media, whānau and peers.
Several schools are calling for increased mental-health support over the summer period, along with clearer communication from officials to help reassure tamariki about their identity, culture and learning environment.
