I want to celebrate the tumuaki of Aotearoa New Zealand, for the amazing work they do. My focus is on the ways principals embrace inclusion and how they enact Te Tiriti o Waitangi. It is not easy to be fully inclusive, yet principals across the motu welcome, love and teach all tamariki, irrespective of their background, ability, or aspirations. They immerse them in learning, central to which are the language, values and tikanga of our founding document. Our schools are the korowai protecting and honouring our young people.
Being inclusive means supporting young people from all social classes, cultures, religions, and gender types, and with a range of physical and mental abilities and learning styles. It means completely embracing the rich diversity of our society and treating every child as a contributing, valued member.
At the same time, principals are enacting Te Tiriti o Waitangi with enthusiasm. I am in awe at the way principals are delighting in the opportunity to learn te reo and tikanga with their staff and tamariki. And I love the way tumuaki have reached out to hapū and iwi to co-construct the curriculum – especially the Aotearoa New Zealand Histories curriculum.
Principals hold the power to shape the future of our country through the kind of education they promote in our schools. By using this opportunity to champion diversity, principals embed biculturalism to build a strong foundation for our multicultural country to grow and prosper. This creates an environment in which the learning of all tamariki can flourish.
Let’s explore the many benefits that emerge, as principals champion diversity and inclusivity in our schools, building a korowai.
The first, I will call a ‘Tapestry of Identity’. Incorporating te reo Māori into daily school life, helps foster a sense of pride and belonging for our tamariki. Our tamariki Māori see themselves in their education. Their whakapapa is acknowledged, and their histories are shared. Embracing Māori values, customs, and genealogy creates an environment where diverse learners can connect, learn, and grow together, forming friendships that transcend cultural barriers and promote understanding, empathy, and unity.
This practise is an example of upholding the principles of te Tiriti o Waitangi and enacting them. Te Tiriti is a blueprint for fostering equitable partnerships between Māori and non-Māori tamariki. Through their commitment to honouring Te Tiriti, principals strengthen the social fabric of their school communities.
In our vibrant, multicultural society, providing a Tiriti based, inclusive educational environment is important. Principals encourage multiculturalism by celebrating the richness of our students’ diverse backgrounds, genders, cultures, and traditions. They create a space where students feel valued, respected, and supported and where all students are empowered to unlock their full potential. It is a space where gender diverse students can express their authentic selves and racial discrimination has no place. Tamariki become global citizens, capable of navigating an interconnected world with open-mindedness, tolerance, and respect for all individuals.
Such an environment enhances academic excellence, through the vibrant tapestry of diverse ideas and experiences. It enhances problem-solving skills, critical thinking abilities, and creativity. Through collaborative experiences, tamariki learn not only from textbooks but also from one another, preparing them for success in an interconnected world.
There are also benefits that extend beyond the school. Promoting inclusivity creates a safe space where families from diverse backgrounds feel welcome and valued. Engaging iwi, hapū, whānau, caregivers, and extended families fosters a sense of belonging, builds trust, and strengthens the partnership between Mana Whenua, home, and school. Principals weave bonds of unity that enrich the wider community.
Principals don’t do this alone. The teachers, paraprofessionals, support staff and Boards of Trustees make up the school’s ‘critical connectors’ for inclusivity to prosper. In turn, principals lead, mentor, guide, and coach staff to embrace these values, and provide focused professional learning to develop their strengths. Working in partnership with Boards of Trustees, ensures budgets and strategic plans include deliberate actions for inclusive practices to be enacted.
The final cog in the wheel of success is our education system, which provides the resources, tools, and personnel to serve our schools and support them to implement diversity and inclusivity goals. The Ministry of Education acknowledges that schools need funding to meet all students’ learning needs. They agree that teachers need culturally responsive teaching resources, professional development opportunities, and specialized support for diverse learners. Like us, they want all tamariki to succeed, and for our country to embrace the values of an inclusive and diverse society, where discrimination and racism have no place and where empathy and tolerance abound.
What decides the resources is the Government. As we head towards a general election, we remind all our political leaders to put the tamariki of our nation ahead of their political aspirations. Our students deserve an education system built on a solid foundation that grows in strength, year on year. Too often, we see a new Government waste precious resources introducing new systems from overseas they think will be better. We are unique, diverse, and inclusive. We can be successful and create a flourishing nation if politicians listen to the experience and knowledge of our education experts and practitioners.
My message to our inspiring school leaders across Aotearoa, New Zealand, is to say thank you for your unwavering commitment to inclusivity, our diverse tamariki, and honouring our treaty. You are appreciated. Your commitment to fostering understanding, respect, and acceptance shapes the future leaders of our society and promotes harmony, empathy, and unity. Individually and together, we can continue to weave a vibrant korowai that envelops every student, paving the way for a successful future society for Aotearoa New Zealand.