Māori Education Leaders Demand Shared Governance Following Critical Waitangi Tribunal Report

Aotearoa’s leading Māori education bodies are demanding a fundamental shift toward genuine shared decision-making following a critical Waitangi Tribunal report on the Crown’s school curriculum overhaul. The report, titled Hūtia te Rito o te Harakeke, kei Hea te Kōmako e Kō? (Wai 3553 Stage Two, Part I), concluded that the Government’s national curriculum reforms breached Treaty principles, including active protection and partnership. As reported by Waatea News, the findings support long-standing concerns regarding the lack of evidence that the Government's new 'science of learning' model will effectively reduce inequities for Māori learners. Rahui Papa, chair of the Mātauranga Iwi Leaders Group, stated that the findings validate the warnings iwi leaders have shared with the Government since November 2025. The Tribunal’s report highlighted that the development process lacked sufficient partnership and failed to adequately incorporate the goals of kaupapa Māori and Māori-medium education communities. Specifically, the findings noted a reduced emphasis on te reo Māori and tikanga within the proposed reforms, which was advanced without adequate evidence that it would benefit Māori students. Dr Rawiri Wright, Co-chair of Te Rūnanga Nui o Ngā Kura Kaupapa Māori, says the report presents a vital opportunity to rebuild trust within the sector. Dr Wright is advocating for mātauranga Māori, tuakiri Māori, and tirohanga Māori to be integrated into education design from the beginning, rather than Māori being consulted after major decisions are finalised. Te Rūnanga Nui emphasizes that the distinct foundations of kaupapa Māori education, specifically Te Aho Matua, must be respected and protected in any future changes. While Education Minister Erica Stanford has defended the reforms—pointing to Māori-medium literacy resources and te reo Māori professional development—Māori leaders maintain that a broader, partner-led approach is necessary. The Mātauranga Iwi Leaders Group and Te Rūnanga Nui are now urging the Crown to establish a formalised, resourced process for shared leadership. This framework would ensure Māori education experts, whānau, hapū, and iwi are involved at the outset. For these leaders, the goal remains ensuring Māori have a decisive role in the language, identity, and future of their tamariki. The organization calls for a systemic shift where the Crown changes not just the curriculum, but the fundamental way decisions regarding Māori education are made.