School boards will be aware that the “Education and Training Amendment Bill (No 2)” which is progressing through parliament is proposing the removal of provisions related to Te Tiriti o Waitangi from the Education and Training Act 2020. Specifically, this Bill will remove the section requiring school boards to give effect to Te Tiriti, including ensuring policies, local curriculum, and teaching reflect local tikanga Māori and mātauranga Māori.

The passage and likely passing of this Bill into law does not change the position of the New Zealand Catholic Education Office (NZCEO) on Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The Catholic school is one of the various means by which the Catholic Church strives to achieve its salvific mission of continuing Jesus’ work of salvation by striving to create the reign of God on Earth.  The reign of God emphasises right relationships where people love one another, bear one another’s burdens and work to build just and peaceful communities. Pope Francis emphasised this aspect of our faith in highlighting the importance of partnership with indigenous peoples, stating that indigenous people “…are not merely one minority among others but should be the principal dialogue partners.” (Laudato Si #146). Our New Zealand Catholic Bishops also acknowledge this moral principal in stating that “The Treaty provides the moral basis for the presence of all other peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand and guarantees reciprocal rights and obligations between the Crown and Māori.” (New Zealand Catholic Bishops, 1990).

Catholic education in New Zealand has a long history of support for tangata whenua and for the inclusion of tikanga and te reo within the culture and practice of our schools. Despite the passage of the current Bill through parliament, NZCEO encourages our Catholic school boards to continue to give effect to Te Tiriti as an essential component of our special character responsibilities. A strong focus on the principles of Catholic social teaching including human dignity, subsidiarity, preferential option for the poor and the common good guide our approach to embedding Te Tiriti in Catholic schools will allow ākonga and their whānau to flourish and reach their full human potential.

NZCEO is advocating to our school boards and staff to continue our mission by:

  • Committing to educate for a deeper understanding of the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the implications of this for tangata-te-tiriti
  • Committing to learning and teaching about our local Māori and pakehā history
  • Recognising Māori as tangata whenua, embedding the principles of partnership and participation, taking part in authentic consultation with the local Māori community, and working to resolve any barriers to partnership and participation
  • Working to develop a community understanding of Te Ao Māori and communicating this with all ākonga
  • Working to develop an understanding of Māori wairua/spirituality and incorporating tikanga Māori, te reo Māori and karakia/prayer into the daily life of the school
  • Building relationships with Māori whānau, so they feel valued in the school
  • Paying particular attention to developing an understanding of the cultural background of every Māori ākonga to honour the identity, knowledge and values of each student and their whānau

Summary

NZCEO is very clear in advocating for continuing efforts by our school leaders and school boards to work closely with iwi and hapu to bring about equitable education outcomes and support ākonga to benefit from fully participating in New Zealand society.

Kevin Shore
CEO NZCEO