Iwi Chairs Forum releases education scorecard to guide whānau voters

A new initiative from the Rōpū Rangatira ā-Iwi mō te Mātauranga (Iwi Chairs Forum for Education) is providing whānau with greater clarity on how political parties intend to support Māori education. On Thursday, 5 November 2026, the group released a comprehensive scorecard comparing the education policies of seven political parties to assess their commitment to mātauranga Māori and the needs of Māori students. Speaking to Waatea News, Rahui Papa, the chair of the group, explained that the purpose of the scorecard is to ensure whānau are well-informed about the political landscape. He emphasised the importance of knowing where each party stands regarding the education of mokopuna, as these policies directly impact the future of Māori learning and language in Aotearoa. The findings of the scorecard highlight significant differences in party platforms. According to the assessment, the Green Party, Te Pāti Māori, and the Labour Party have developed policies that actively incorporate and support mātauranga Māori. In contrast, the evaluation found that the National and ACT parties currently lack specific policies focused on this area. By providing this comparative tool, the Iwi Chairs Forum aims to empower Māori voters to make informed decisions at the ballot box. Mr. Papa noted that the results show which groups are prioritising Māori educational outcomes and which are not, allowing families to align their votes with the educational aspirations they hold for their children and future generations.