E ngā Kaiako o ngā Kura Kōhungahunga o te motu, tēnā koutou By Te Awe Davis Te Reo and Tikanga Māori, Māori language and protocols hold an important space in our ECE centres. For over 25 years, early childcare centres in Aotearoa, New Zealand, have been on a journey to implement Te Ao Māori into their practice, developing and challenging the cultural capability of kaiako (teachers) across the country and growing the collective understanding of their tamariki (children). With the resurgence of Te Ao Māori, not only within ECE centres but also in many different sectors across New Zealand, the question is often posed: Why should Te Ao Māori be implemented in ECE centres across Aotearoa, and what benefit or opportunities will this create for my tamariki? Much like many aspects of Te Ao Māori, the answer to this question is layered and contextual. However, I believe that there are three key points to be discussed: The benefits of bilingual/multilingual education, the role ECE teachers play in supporting the intergenerational transmission of language and finally honouring the principles drawn from Te Tiriti o Waitangi. From a scientific standpoint, research has shown that children raised bilingually have grown to develop strong cognitive, social and educational skills. As infants, bilingualism encourages sound recognition and executive functions of the brain, such as problem solving and shifting attention. In the view of an educator, and more specifically an ECE teacher, this can be seen in a child's ability to “code-switch”; quickly switching between languages and/ or identifying varying social cues amongst different settings. Implementing Te Reo Māori as a first or supporting language for all tamariki also allows for a consistent and shared understanding of the inherent culture of Aotearoa, New Zealand. They say “it takes a village to raise a child”, this phrase also rings true in terms of cultural revitalisation, it takes a village. The role that Kaiako Kōhungahunga, ECE teachers, play in ensuring the passing on of Māori language and concepts is vital. The contextual nature of Te Ao Māori encourages children to be critical and analytical in their experiences, while language informs their world view. Kaiako now have an incredible opportunity to develop learning programmes that build on the cultural understanding of not only tamariki Māori, but all tamariki here in New Zealand, reinforcing the idea for future generations that there is space in Te Ao Māori for all New Zealanders to thrive. Finally, looking at the three principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi: Partnership, participation and protection. These are three of many principles that have been defined in Te Tiriti and can also guide us in our answer to the question posed. Implementing Te Ao Māori into the practice of ECE centres across the country is a direct embodiment of these principles. Partnership comes into play when centres engage with their local hāpori (communities) whānau, hapū and iwi to inform our practices and ensure that we are doing so with genuine intent and respect. Participation are our Kaiako playing an active part in the continuation of Te Reo and Tikanga Māori, implementing these in small but meaningful ways, introducing Karakia (blessings), learning new Waiata (songs) or teaching a new rerenga kōrero (phrase), these are all ways Kaiako can actively demonstrate participation. The combining of both these principles ultimately gives way to the protection and continuation of Te Ao Māori in future generations. If you are a Kaiako wanting to embrace Te Ao Māori, nau mai, welcome! There is space here for all of us. About Te Awe Davis Te Awe Davis is Kaupapa Māori Implementation Strategist at Education Perfect. A qualified Teacher, specialising in MāoriMedium Education and has been supporting communities in their Te Ao Māori journey for over six years. Since joining Education Perfect, this aspiration has grown to creating accessible learning resources for all of Aotearoa, New Zealand. Education Perfect is a Kiwi technology company that has become the complete digital teaching and learning toolkit for thousands of teachers across New Zealand. www.educationperfect.com December 2022 { 28 }
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