C305 Acknowledgement of tangata whenua

Licensing criterion and guidance for C305 Acknowledgement of tangata whenua.

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Criterion C305

The service curriculum acknowledges and reflects the unique place of Māori as tangata whenua. Children are given the opportunity to develop knowledge and an understanding of the cultural heritages of both parties to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Curriculum criteria documentation required

Guidance

Te Tiriti o Waitangi plays a significant role in the revitalisation of Māori language and culture, an important part of Aotearoa New Zealand culture. Early childhood services are a vital link to ensuring all New Zealand children, regardless of ethnicity, are given the opportunity to learn about and experience, in a very real way, both Pākeha and Māori culture.

Te Whāriki is a bilingual, bicultural document which reflects Māori views of children’s learning and development and includes many strategies for implementing bicultural programmes.

The service curriculum will be developed in partnership with Māori to foster the learning of and provide genuine opportunities for participation and quality outcomes for Māori children. Programmes will support the revitalisation of te reo and tikanga Māori.

Examples of what this might look like in practice:

  • Te reo Māori is spoken, heard, and visible across the environment and used for a range of purposes.

  • Children learn about the history of local hapū and iwi through meaningful experiences.

  • Educators use teaching strategies which reflect tikanga Māori, including narrative, song, art and movement.

  • Educators integrate te reo me tikanga Māori into all aspects of the service curriculum including routines, rituals and regular events.

  • Children are aware of their own ancestral heritage and the history of Aotearoa New Zealand.

  • Children display a strong sense of environmental awareness and care, including consideration of both the natural (living) world and the physical (non-living) environment.

  • The service philosophy and practices reflect commitment to a bicultural partnership.

  • What do we understand about the unique place of Māori as tangata whenua? How is this visible within our environment?

  • How do we ensure that management and educators understand the principle of partnership inherent in Te Tiriti o Waitangi?

  • How is this partnership reflected in the policies and practices of the service as identified in the governance and management criteria?

  • How does our service encourage and/or support educators to extend their knowledge and use of te reo me tikanga Māori?

  • How are we communicating and working in partnership with Māori? How is this determined? Is it effective? How do we know?

  • Do we know the history of and/or understand the protocols of our local hapū and iwi?