Oranga Matihiko

What Sets Them Apart

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Morehu’s kaupapa begins with te ao Māori, not as an add-on, but as the foundation. His use of gaming, storytelling, and whakapapa as learning tools speaks to a deep cultural responsiveness, while Ahurewa creates dual pathways that reflect academic and vocational aspirations. He brings critical pedagogy, digital equity, and identity-based learning together in transformative ways.

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Tauārai – Barriers

• Navigating two worlds: Māori and urban communities
  
• Rigid, academic-focused NCEA structures that excluded vocational learners
  
• Lack of early institutional support
  
• Disconnect between te reo Māori subject content and learner realities
  
• Systemic marginalisation and structural bias in education systems
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Recommendations

• Begin with kaupapa Māori principles from the outset
  
• Recognise diverse literacies (e.g. gaming, storytelling) as legitimate learning pathways
  
• Offer dual academic and vocational pathways in Māori subjects
  
• Value cultural and community contributions as formal learning
  
• Strengthen educator capability in kaupapa Māori design
  
• Adopt iterative, flexible models of assessment
  
• Address systemic barriers through Māori-led structural change
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Why It Matters

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Morehu’s mahi demonstrates that transformative education for Māori is possible when it starts with identity, embraces lived experience, and reflects the realities of learners. Oranga Matihiko and Ahurewa provide a proven framework for systems change, enabling Māori to thrive with pride, purpose, and digital confidence.

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Photo © Oranga Matihiko