Ko Tararua te Maunga
Ko Ruamahanga te awa
Ko Te Atiawa te iwi
Ko Osterley te waka
Ko Ngati Harrowfield te hapu
Ko Te ore ore te marae
No Wairarapa ahau engarei
ko Hawera Toku kainga inaiane
Ko Ian toku Papa
Ko Rosie toku Mama
Ko James toku hoa Tane
Ko Orlando ratou ko Miley, ko Hope, ko Trixie aku tamariki
Ko Emily ahau
‘He aha te mea nui te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata!’
In 2022 our kura opened their doors for the first time. From this moment we began a unique journey of co-governance with local iwi. We were gifted our name and Whaktauaki by Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Ruanui and Te Korowai o Ngāruahine. It was intended that the name be clearly South Taranaki, be inclusive and relevant to the whole community, and reflect our history and ambitions for the future.
Te Paepae o Aotea – Kia eke atu ki taupaenui o te tangata: People reaching their full potential.
Noho experience – AS 1.1 Use Visual Arts practice to explore Aotearoa New Zealand’s Māori foundational context and another cultural context
Our kura has had professional development and a consistent focused effort on strengthening use of kaupapa māori and teaching with a Matāuranga māori lense. Following the completion of a public mural for Ngāti Ruanui I set myself the task to organise a noho with local iwi to enhance the authenticity of the learning within the classroom. As a non Māori woman this was empowering, humbling and challenging; how do you ensure correct Kaupapa and authentic learning for your students can take place when this isn’t your space?
This korero is about my experience in engaging with Ngati Ruanui and Ngāruahine, how to adapt plans for iwi lead learning and ultimately positive outcomes for nga ākonga.
I will share three approaches to 1.1. Firstly our kura marae – Kimihia o Rangimārie (2023) during the pilot year and two local marae Aotearoa Pa- Nga Ruahine (2024) and Pariroa Pa – Ngāti Ruanui (2025). This session will cover how to make connections and ensure the learning is authentic. During the session I will deliver ideas on tasks to complete while at the noho and activities for the classroom that follow. With plenty time for Q and A, collaborative sharing of own experiences, be inspired to increase authenticity within your classroom space.
“Ka maia nga uri i putai te w’are o Ruaputa’anga o Te Ramanui”
The descendants of Ruaputa’anga of Te Ramanui will take courage
Biography
Emily Davidson currently leads the Arts team at Te Paepae o Aotea. This new school has been open for two years and has a co-governance model with an establishment board and iwi. Her experience is primarily as an Art teacher and faculty leader. She has a love for all Arts practices and in particular musical theatre. She is married with 3 children and lives in Te Hāwera.