Celebrating Māori success through collaborative partnerships: Korowai Mokopuna

Korowai Mokopuna upskills experienced teachers to become resource teachers, enhancing their capability with whānau, children, youth, teachers and other practitioners in Kōhanga Reo. It examines the educational needs of all children who require additional support in the general school system and identifes ways to provide more equitable education access and outcomes.

Korowai Mokopuna was developed between Massey, the Kohanga Reo National Trust and the Ministry of Education. The postgraduate diploma sits alongside other well established endorsements in specialist teaching, such as Blind and Low Vision, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Early Intervention and Complex Educational Needs.

‪Pou Māori Specialist Teaching and Coordinator of the Korowai Mokopuna endorsement Alex Te Moni, Te Arawa, says this achievement shows how working in partnership across education and agencies can have a positive impact for children who require additional support at school.

“The kaimahi (staff) involved have paved the way forward and contributed to the design of the programme. This innovative approach integrated Massey's specialist knowledge with the students' deep understanding of te kaupapa o te Kōhanga Reo and te ao Māori, building inclusive and effective learning support.

“This collaboration highlights the importance of recognising and celebrating Māori success within their cultural context. It emphasises the significance of integrating cultural perspectives with academic expertise to create a supportive educational environment.

“Seeing the first cohort of students complete their postgraduate diploma was a proud moment for all involved. It was a celebration of the graduates' achievements, the positive changes and the bright opportunities this programme brings to the future of learning support for all mokopuna.”

Among the seven that received their Korowai Mokopuna qualification was Leatiana Tata-Adams, Te Whakatōhea, Tainui, Ngāpuhi, who says she feels privileged to be one of the first to receive this qualification.

“It was an incredible feeling to walk across the stage and be presented with my postgraduate diploma. In that short moment, I reflected on the beginning of my journey and how far I had come to reach this point.

“During my studies, I felt well supported by Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust and Massey, especially as I had a newborn at the time. Studying alongside like-minded, strong-willed and passionate kaupapa kaimahi and kaiako Kōhanga Reo made my journey more enjoyable,” she adds.

You can find out more about the Postgraduate Diploma of Specialist Teaching here.