Date: TE MATAPUNA O TE WAI PROGRESS REPORT 31 March 2025
Ngai Tai-Ao Curriculum Implementation Report
Tēnā koutou katoa,
We are pleased to share this update on the successful early implementation of our Ngai Tai-Ao Curriculum – a place-based environmental learning programme that weaves together Mātauranga Māori and science to connect our tamariki and wider iwi with the taiao through the lens of Ngāi Tai tikanga, reo, and values.
Overview
The Ngai Tai-Ao Curriculum aims to develop tamariki as kaitiaki of their taiao by engaging in hands-on learning that explores the mauri of different wāhi, while building a deep understanding of local ecosystems and taonga species. It is grounded in mātauranga Ngāi Tai and aligned to the Mauri Compass environmental monitoring framework.
Progress to Date
We have officially begun implementation and are excited to report the following developments:
1. Instrumentation and Environmental Testing
Tamariki have been introduced to key environmental tools and instruments such as thermometers, clarity tubes, conductivity meters, and pH kits.
They are learning to use these tools to test the health of local waterways as a start.
Data collection practices are being developed, including guided recording and interpretation of environmental indicators.
2. Mauri of Wāhi Learning
Tamariki are learning to assess and reflect on the mauri (life force) of places, supported by pūrākau, kōrero tuku iho, and whakataukī specific to Ngāi Tai.
This encourages not only observation and measurement, but a values-based reflection on what is being seen and felt in the environment.
3. Ecological Surveys
Our students are recording local flora and fauna, documenting species of birds, insects, plants, and aquatic life found in each area.
Tamariki are learning the names of these species in both te reo Māori and English where possible, and are beginning to identify connections between them and their environment.
4. Cultural and Environmental Documentation
Class books and digital platforms are being used to record environmental data, observations, and tamariki reflections.
Video journaling and voice recordings are also being introduced to strengthen oral storytelling and observation skills.
Impact on Tamariki
For the minimal time we have have spent doing these mini-wānanga, student engagement, confidence in speaking te reo Māori, and curiosity about the natural world has been exciting and engaging.
Maori Freshwater Fisheries Conference - 300 plus Kaitiaki Converging in Te Kuiti
Ashlee and Riaki will be presenting some of their results.
Next Steps
Expand monitoring to include seasonal data sets aligned with the maramataka.
Showcase student learning and invite whānau to participate in future taiao-based wānanga.
Acknowledgements
We thank our iwi, kura, board members, and whānau for your ongoing support. Your contributions are helping us deliver an authentic, empowering curriculum that reconnects our tamariki to the whenua, awa, moana, and ngahere as our tūpuna once did.
We look forward to sharing more progress as our journey continues.
Ngā mihi maioha.
Ngai Tai-Ao Curriculum Implementation Report
Tēnā koutou katoa,
We are pleased to share this update on the successful early implementation of our Ngai Tai-Ao Curriculum – a place-based environmental learning programme that weaves together Mātauranga Māori and science to connect our tamariki and wider iwi with the taiao through the lens of Ngāi Tai tikanga, reo, and values.
Overview
The Ngai Tai-Ao Curriculum aims to develop tamariki as kaitiaki of their taiao by engaging in hands-on learning that explores the mauri of different wāhi, while building a deep understanding of local ecosystems and taonga species. It is grounded in mātauranga Ngāi Tai and aligned to the Mauri Compass environmental monitoring framework.
Progress to Date
We have officially begun implementation and are excited to report the following developments:
1. Instrumentation and Environmental Testing
Tamariki have been introduced to key environmental tools and instruments such as thermometers, clarity tubes, conductivity meters, and pH kits.
They are learning to use these tools to test the health of local waterways as a start.
Data collection practices are being developed, including guided recording and interpretation of environmental indicators.
2. Mauri of Wāhi Learning
Tamariki are learning to assess and reflect on the mauri (life force) of places, supported by pūrākau, kōrero tuku iho, and whakataukī specific to Ngāi Tai.
This encourages not only observation and measurement, but a values-based reflection on what is being seen and felt in the environment.
3. Ecological Surveys
Our students are recording local flora and fauna, documenting species of birds, insects, plants, and aquatic life found in each area.
Tamariki are learning the names of these species in both te reo Māori and English where possible, and are beginning to identify connections between them and their environment.
4. Cultural and Environmental Documentation
Class books and digital platforms are being used to record environmental data, observations, and tamariki reflections.
Video journaling and voice recordings are also being introduced to strengthen oral storytelling and observation skills.
Impact on Tamariki
For the minimal time we have have spent doing these mini-wānanga, student engagement, confidence in speaking te reo Māori, and curiosity about the natural world has been exciting and engaging.
Maori Freshwater Fisheries Conference - 300 plus Kaitiaki Converging in Te Kuiti
Ashlee and Riaki will be presenting some of their results.
Next Steps
Expand monitoring to include seasonal data sets aligned with the maramataka.
Showcase student learning and invite whānau to participate in future taiao-based wānanga.
Acknowledgements
We thank our iwi, kura, board members, and whānau for your ongoing support. Your contributions are helping us deliver an authentic, empowering curriculum that reconnects our tamariki to the whenua, awa, moana, and ngahere as our tūpuna once did.
We look forward to sharing more progress as our journey continues.
Ngā mihi maioha.
