Otago’s three Papatipu Rūnaka (local Māori authorities) have joined forces to establish an education hub aimed at transforming cultural capability in Otago's education sector.

The initiative, Hono ki Tua, represents a collaborative effort between Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki, Te Rūnaka o Ōtākou, and Te Rūnaka o Moeraki, with Otago Community Trust (OCT) providing $1.8 M in funding, over three years for the project.

Hono ki Tua seeks to develop a sustainable education hub focused on working with education providers throughout Otago to enhance knowledge and understanding of the Kāi Tahu heritage and culture specific to each rūnaka (tribal council).

Taking a phased approach, the hub will initially employ dedicated Kaitoko Mātauraka (education experts) and a Kaikōkiri Mātauraka (team leader) to work with education providers spanning early childhood, primary, and secondary education sectors to deliver initiatives such as kapa haka training, marae-based school programmes and workshops for whānau (family) and kaiako (teachers) alike.

It also aims to ensure educational providers better understand rūnaka aspirations as mana whenua (Māori with authority over land) , while developing their local cultural knowledge and the specific context of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in Te Waipounamu.

The initiative aligns with OCT's strategic focus on lifting educational achievement and enhancing cultural capabilities of education providers, strengthening the durability of the Treaty claims settlement process, and improving educational outcomes for all ākonga (learners).

This project is the largest grant to date from OCTs Dedicated Impact for Tamariki and Rangatahi fund and demonstrates a step forward in addressing a need within Otago's education system.

Through this work, Hono ki Tua seeks to improve educational outcomes for all students while building a more inclusive society: one in which Kāi Tahu whānau can better see their heritage and culture usefully woven into educational settings.

Hono ki Tua board member Rachel Martin, said she is delighted to receive OCT funding.

“The development of Hono ki Tua provides Kā rūnaka Ōtākou, Kāti Huirapa ki Puketeraki, and Moeraki,with a innovative approach to form Te Tiriti o Waitangi based outcomes within our respective takiwā (tribal territories).

“It’s an exciting time and we are looking forward to working with OCT, whānau and education providers over the next three years.

“We are deeply grateful to the late Rua McCallum (Moeraki) who initially spearheaded this project but sadly passed away before she could see it come to fruition. We are heartened that her legacy will live on through Hono ki Tua.”

The project will benefit all learners and teachers, foster a genuine sense of belonging, and help address some of the educational disadvantages faced by Māori students.

Working holistically with schools, teachers, students, and whānau across the Otago region, the initiative builds upon a strong foundation of community support as demonstrated by many letters of endorsement from the community.

Through a comprehensive approach, Hono ki Tua seeks to create a more culturally inclusive educational environment and support the development of tamariki, rangatahi, and their whānau.

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