The Maurua Strategy was given an injection of energy in 2017 with the arrival of new staff that have progressed the objectives and goals that were written. Anita Kurei-Paruru has brought the team together, called the Kairaranga Maurua, to enable the Maurua Strategy to be the foundation for education within Whakatōhea. As such, the team has completed a review and update of the Objectives and Goals within the Maurua Strategy, and the team has devised an annual plan focusing on implementation of those Objectives and Goals. Some of the key targets for 2018 have included the following:

• Early Childhood – development of an ECE Kāhui Ako; implementation of learning around “Te Tapu o Muriwai”
• Primary School – development of a year 8 transition programme for students preparing for college; attending Kahui Ako Ōpōtiki; Ongoing updates to the Kāhui Ako
• Secondary School – Better support of students with NCEA Levels; better provision of alternative education through Pouawhitia Services; Development of Whakatōhea Curriculum / Mātauranga-a-Iwi
• Culture, Language and Identity – Tohekura – Te Kura Reo o te Whakatōhea; Whakatōhea cultural workshops; Komiti Whiriwhiri Hitori
• Tertiary Education – Continued delivery of the Mauri Oho Programme preparing whānau for work; Y2Hub establishment; Relationship building and course implementation with other tertiary providers

The Maurua Strategy is an integral part of the services of the Trust Board, and the saying is,
Ko te mātauranga te waka e kawe nei ngā wawata – Education is the vehicle that will drive forward our aspirations.