April 12, 2022
Parallel track sought for Māori education
Kaupapa Māori education advocates want an urgent hearing on their claims for mana motuhake within the education system.
Cathy Dewes from Te Rūnanga Nui o Ngā Kura Kaupapa o Aotearoa says Te Matakāhuki, which also includes Kōhanga Reo, kura ā iwi and wānanga Māori, have been pushing the case together and separately for more than 30 years, including lodging the claim in 2008.
What’s got them riled up is Cabinet’s rejection of a recommendation from the review of the Tomorrow’s Schools reforms that there should be a parallel pathway.
“We’re all adamant we need something like a Māori education authority so that we have sovereignty over our uniquely Māori, mana Māori, rangatira Māori education options,” Ms Dewes says.
The claimants are meeting Waitangi tribunal Judge Sarah Reeves today to discuss their urgent application and the possibility of mediation.