Nga Kura A Iwi O Aotearoa Chairman Pem Bird

Teaching Profession Must Embrace Cultural Competencies Programme

The Cultural Competencies programme for the teaching profession can’t arrive soon enough according to Pem Bird Chairman Nga Ringa Raupa, the governance body of Nga Kura – a – Iwi (tribal kura) O Aotearoa.

“They’ve been a long time coming and the Hon Dr Pita Sharples Associate Minister Maori Education is to be applauded on this initiative which seeks to address a glaring gap in teacher competencies, the cultural element.”

“It makes sound professional sense that cultural competence in respect to the Maori learner be an integral component of a teacher’s core tool kit equipping them with some essential knowledge, a culturally inclusive outlook and skills to raise Maori achievement. And this is the single most compelling reason for nationwide uptake by the teaching profession as a whole. Tired worn out hoary old myths about relevance and excuses about extra workload, other priorities and what about other languages just don’t cut the mustard.”

“With unacceptably high levels of deeply entrenched and chronic Maori underachievement a badge of shame, I would expect leaders of Aotearoa’s Professional teacher and other organisations to step up to the plate and demonstrate decisive bold and emphatic leadership around the necessity for the cultural competencies programme. I am heartened in this regard by comments from the president of the NZEI Ian Leckie.”

“Having been a teacher since 1971 I have experienced all the highs and lows regrettably mainly lows in terms of the teaching profession missing the bus in relation to te Reo Maori initiatives. The Taha Maori era for example of the 70’s and 80’s which attempted to normalise a Maori perspective fell over because the leadership required to make it live went AWOL.”

Research and experience clearly demonstrates the connection between culturally aware and attuned teachers and Maori learner achievement. Kaupapa Maori education is proving a point and Te Kotahitanga in mainstream schools looks extremely promising.
The pivotal issue is about the authenticity and relevance of our cultural landscape which ought to permeate our thinking and practice. We have now been presented with a golden opportunity to make the difference that counts.

Ultimately in my view the kaupapa is about the teaching profession acting professionally with honor.

Compulsion would be unnecessary if this indeed were to be the case.

Pem Bird
Chairman
Nga Kura a Iwi o Aotearoa

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