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Ministry of Education New Zealand
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School board objectives

These are for schools to ensure that:

  • every student is able to attain their highest possible standard in educational achievement
  • the school is a physically and emotionally safe place for all students and staff, and gives effect to relevant student rights and takes all reasonable steps to eliminate racism, stigma, bullying, and any other forms of discrimination within the school
  • the school is inclusive and caters for students with differing needs
  • the school gives effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi by:
    • working to ensure that its plans, policies, and local curriculum reflect local tikanga Māori, mātauranga Māori and te ao Māori
    • taking all reasonable steps to make instruction available in te reo Māori and tikanga Māori, and
    • achieving equitable outcomes for Māori students.

School boards to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi

What we can expect from schools giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi

The new objective relating to Te Tiriti o Waitangi will:

  • emphasise the importance of local history and practices
  • challenge boards to improve the teaching of te reo Māori and tikanga Māori
  • contribute to meeting the Crown’s duty to actively protect tino rangatiratanga rights, and
  • make a significant contribution to achieving the Crown’s Strategy for Māori Language Revitalisation 2018–2023 – Maihi Karauna.

What support schools get to help them give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi

The Government is taking practical steps to support the growth of te reo Māori capability in the education workforce through initiatives such as Te Ahu o te Reo Māori. This will help schools provide te reo Māori lessons.

Ministry staff will be able to provide boards with advice on how they can initiate conversations with their local communities to ensure their plans, policies and local curriculum reflect local tikanga Māori, mātauranga Māori and te ao Māori.

When the objectives come into force

The revised objectives for student educational achievement, physically and emotional safety and inclusivity took effect upon enactment and are in force now. The objective relating to Te Tiriti o Waitangi came into force on 1 January 2021. This provided schools with more time to become familiar with the changes required under this objective and prepare to give effect to them.