“Whānau are the prime constituents of iwi and have the single greatest influence on learners’ achievement in a social context, while educators and principals enjoy this status in an education context. The Ministry accepts that relationships with iwi have the potential to considerably enhance whānau contribution to raising achievement for and with Māori learners. Actively exploring ways in which these two powerful influences can interact to raise achievement is both sensible and desirable.”
(Ministry of Education. (2011). Whakapumautia, Papakowhaitia, Tau ana – Grasp, Embrace and Realise: Conducting Excellent Education Relationships)
How He Pikorua is mokopuna and whānau-centred
When we plan services, we listen to the voices of the mokopuna and their whānau, and what they say is reflected in the plans.
When we make decisions about the services and how they are provided, we intend to achieve the best outcomes for the mokopuna and their whānau.
When we plan services, we use the supports that are least intrusive, that build on the strengths of the mokopuna, and that draw on the strengths of their learning community.
When we talk with mokopuna we aim for their empowerment/ mana motuhake. We enhance their sense that they are resilient, capable and competent learners. Our conversation build whānau capability in partnering to achieve good outcomes for their mokopuna.
Our practice focuses on service quality and achieving good outcomes for whānau well-being.
Mokopuna, their whānau and practitioners partner with educators to develop one co-ordinated plan, using a flexible, tailored, responsive and negotiated approach.
Examples of this principle in practice
Practitioners hold meetings and conversations in places where the whānau have said they feel comfortable.
Practitioners hear mokopuna and their whānau. Practitioners capture mokopuna and their whānau's views and aspirations, and the plan clearly reflects them.
Whānau understand the information about services available for their mokopuna that practitioners have shared with them. Practitioners make sure whānau clearly understand the roles of everyone involved, and potential outcomes.
Practitioners check that whānau understand all the information given to them, and that whānau are offered and given support when needed.