Literacy Aotearoa is proud to partner with Te Kaunihera Māori o Aotearoa the New Zealand Māori Council to deliver programmes supporting Māori learners to build literacy and numeracy skills, in turn strengthening personal, community, and professional development.
In Rotorua last month, Literacy Aotearoa and Te Kaunihera Māori o Aotearoa the New Zealand Māori Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding setting out a pilot programme across three out of the 16 council districts - Tauranga Moana, Te Arawa, and Waikato - with the long-term aim of expanding nationwide to the other remaining 13 council districts.
The focus will be on raising literacy and numeracy levels, seen as critical for supporting Māori wellbeing, leadership, and participation in work and community life.
Dr Claire McGowan, Tumuaki (Chief Executive) of Literacy Aotearoa, said she was honoured by the opportunity to work alongside the Māori Council.
“We are proud to stand with Te Kaunihera Māori o Aotearoa in this important kaupapa. Our commitment is to support Māori learners in every part of Aotearoa to reach their goals, supporting them to build individual skills, which in turn ripple out to support the wellbeing of whānau and communities.”
The Māori Council said, "We are excited to work together with Literacy Aotearoa to deliver courses to promote Te Reo Māori literacy and other literacies that will assist people in their everyday lives and help them gain skills that will lead to self-development and build employment opportunities for them and their communities"
A pilot programme will be targeted to Māori Wardens, equipping them with foundation skills to enhance their leadership and governance roles. The initiative is designed to act as a model for future programmes across other districts.
Elizabeth Nikora, Director of Teaching and Learning, said the agreement represents both continuity and growth in Literacy Aotearoa’s work.
“He whakawhānui ake tēnei hononga i tā mātou mahi ki te tautoko i ngā Māori puta noa i Aotearoa. He mea nui rawa te whakamātautau nei me ngā Wātene Māori, ko rātou ngā kaiarāhi i ō rātou hapori.
“Mā tēnei kaupae whakamua ka whakarei ake ngā oranga o te tangata, te whānau me ngā hapori puta noa i Aotearoa.”
The partnership reflects joint commitments under the Māori Community Development Act, and ngā Kaupapa of Literacy Aotearoa. The agreed goals include:
- Supporting Māori initiatives in industry and work.
- Expanding education, vocational training, and guidance opportunities.
- Promoting health within Māori communities.
- Assisting Māori in addressing personal challenges and resolving difficulties.
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Programmes will be measured against two key outcomes: delivering learner-focused literacy and numeracy upskilling, and reporting regularly on progress.
Both organisations described the agreement as a step towards practical, culturally grounded programmes that will enable Māori individuals and communities to reach their goals.