The waharoa at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Tamaki-Nui-a-Rua.
Photo: RNZ / Pokere Paewai
Kura kaupapa Māori are celebrating a big win after a Waitangi Tribunal decision. The tribunal told the government to create a separate education authority for kaupapa Māori schools, something kura have wanted for years. This recommendation came after a Treaty claim made by Te Rūnanga Nui o ngā Kura Kaupapa Māori last year, which represents 62 kura kaupapa Māori.
The tribunal agreed that the government broke Treaty principles between 2018 and 2022 when reviewing the school system. It said the government should apologize and fix its relationship with the kura. The goal is for the Education Ministry to work closely with the kura and understand their needs.
The tribunal supports the kura’s idea of a separate education authority. It stated, “We recommend the Crown commit to establishing a stand-alone Kaupapa Māori education authority,” with details created with Māori stakeholders.
Dr. Cathy Dewes, co-chair of the rūnanga nui, called it a major breakthrough. “It’s something we’ve aspired to for many years,” she said. This new authority would be controlled by Māori and not the Education Ministry.
Dewes mentioned a comment from someone who testified at the tribunal: “Give us the pay and get out of the way.” This means the government should fund the kura, allowing them to manage their own education. Dewes believes education would be conducted entirely in Māori, which changes how students think and feel.
For 26 years, kura have been asking for this separate authority.
Hohepa Campbell, chief executive of Rūnanga Nui, found the decision exciting. “It’s fantastic news for all our families in kura kaupapa Māori,” he said. He emphasized that the decision gives clear principles for moving forward to help kura thrive.
The Education Ministry responded, “We acknowledge and welcome the report from the Tribunal. We will carefully review its findings and recommendations.”
Currently, there are 62 kura kaupapa Māori with around 7,423 students. The tribunal warned that it will take time to set up the new authority but suggested that, in the meantime, the government work with the claimants to create specific policies for kura kaupapa Māori.
The tribunal’s findings showed that the government failed to respect Treaty principles, causing difficulties for the claimants and their schools.
