Maurua Strategy: Building the Foundation for Education in Whakatōhea

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The Maurua Strategy is a cornerstone of the services provided by the Whakatōhea Māori Trust Board. Since 2017, under the leadership of Anita Kurei-Paruru, the strategy has been significantly enhanced to serve as the foundation for education within Whakatōhea. 

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Key Targets and Achievements in 2018

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Early Childhood Education (ECE)

• Developed an ECE Kāhui Ako to foster collaboration and support among early childhood education providers.

• Implemented learning initiatives around "Te Tapu o Muriwai" to enrich the cultural education of young children.

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Primary School Education

• Created a year eight transition program to better prepare students for the move to college.

• Participated in Kāhui Ako Ōpōtiki to enhance collaborative efforts and continually update the Kāhui Ako framework.

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Secondary School Education

• Provided better support for students aiming to achieve NCEA Levels, ensuring they have the resources and guidance needed to succeed.

• Improved alternative education options through Pouawhitia Services, now Wharekawa Kaupapa Māori Education, offering tailored support for students with diverse learning needs.

• Development of the Whakatōhea Curriculum / Mātauranga-a-Iwi, integrating local cultural knowledge into the educational framework.

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Culture, Language, and Identity

• Tohekura – Te Kura Reo o te Whakatōhea to promote the Māori language and cultural education 250 vital participants year on year. 

• We conducted Whakatōhea cultural workshops to engage the community in cultural learning and preservation.

• Establishment of the Komiti Whiriwhiri Hitori to guide the preservation and teaching of Whakatōhea history.

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Tertiary Education

• Continued the Mauri Oho Programme, which prepares whānau for the workforce and higher education opportunities.

• Establishment of the Y2Hub to provide a supportive learning environment for youth 16 to 24 years.

• Built relationships and implemented courses in collaboration with other tertiary education providers to expand educational opportunities for Whakatōhea members.

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The Maurua Strategy remains a dynamic and integral part of the Whakatōhea Māori Trust Board's now Te Tāwharau o te Whakatōhea in the efforts to enhance educational outcomes and support its people's cultural, language, and identity development. The strategy aims to empower individuals and strengthen the community through focused initiatives and collaborative efforts.