Ngā Whakangungu Kāwanatanga mā ngā Poari Whakahaere me ngā Whānau i roto i ngā Kura - Governance Training for Boards of Trustees and Whānau in Kura 22/02/2011

Conclusions

Three key factors are typically associated with significant improvements to governance practice resulting from training undertaken by boards and whānau in Māori-medium kura.

Board training is more likely to be successful when the purpose is clear and the content is relevant to the kura. Successful boards and whānau identify and undertake useful and relevant training that responds directly to their needs and priorities. They also:

• ensure decisions about governance training are clearly linked to kura priorities and are based on good quality self-review information
• access training that is provided by facilitators with experience and knowledge of governance and working in kaupapa Māori and Māori-medium contexts
• critically reflect how training can be applied effectively in the context of their kura.

Boards and whānau that maintain a focus on how to improve their own governance capacity and capability are more confident about how they can contribute to their students’ achievement and success. In these kura:

• boards of trustees and whānau members are an integral part of developing and maintaining successful kura governance practices
• support networks are established to provide a wider range of opportunities to develop board and whānau capacity to effectively govern the kura
• processes are maintained to share information gained from governance training with a wider group of board and whānau members.

Effective boards and whānau recognise the importance of succession planning to develop and sustain effective governance practice. Because of the relatively small size of most kura, it is vital that boards and whānau are proactive in establishing a strong foundation for governance. Kura that are able to sustain improvement:

• continue to promote and encourage whānau involvement and participation in the kura context, and use the talents and expertise in the wider whānau
• identify potential board and whānau members and actively encourage the involvement of more whānau members in governance activities on an ongoing basis, including training opportunities.

ERO has shared the findings of this review with the Ministry of Education. The Ministry indicated they are currently working with Māori-medium sector groups such as Te Rūnanga Nui to scope and develop training that would better suit the models of governance found in kura. Additional funding for governance training has been allocated by the Ministry for 2010 and 2011. Priorities for this funding in 2011 will be identified following further consultation with regional Ministry representatives.