A prominent Māori education advocate has taken concerns to the Waitangi Tribunal, arguing that Māori have been sidelined from key decisions shaping the national curriculum despite internal advice warning against such an approach.
Bruce Jepsen says the exclusion of Māori from curriculum development has real and visible impacts in classrooms, affecting both ākonga and kaiako. In practical terms, it can lead to a lack of meaningful representation of te ao Māori, limited inclusion of mātauranga Māori, and teaching frameworks that fail to reflect the lived realities and identities of Māori students. For educators, it can mean fewer culturally relevant resources and reduced support for delivering learning that resonates with their communities.
The Tribunal has heard that officials had recommended Māori involvement in the decision-making process, raising questions about what happens when that guidance is not followed. The consequences extend beyond policy, affecting trust between Māori and the Crown, and undermining confidence in the education system. There are also concerns that the quality of the curriculum suffers when it is developed without the input of those it is meant to serve, particularly in a bicultural nation grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Calls are now being made for immediate action to rebuild that relationship, with a focus on restoring genuine partnership. This includes embedding Māori voices at every stage of curriculum design, from initial planning through to implementation, and ensuring decision-making structures reflect shared authority rather than consultation alone.
Looking ahead, the case highlights the need for structural change to prevent similar issues arising in the future. Advocates are pointing to stronger accountability mechanisms, clearer commitments to Te Tiriti obligations, and systems that guarantee Māori leadership and participation in education policy. The goal is to create a curriculum that not only acknowledges Māori perspectives but is shaped by them, reflecting the aspirations, knowledge, and rights of tangata whenua.
The Tribunal process is expected to further examine the Crown’s role and responsibilities, with implications that could influence the future direction of education in Aotearoa.
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