Tuhoe launch New Zealand's first iwi curriculum

Local MP Te Ururoa Flavell congratulated the Tuhoe Education Authority, and Ngai Tuhoe generally, for their tremendous achievement in gaining official recognition for the first iwi-designed education curriculum.

“This was a great occasion for the iwi, and for Maori education,” said Mr Flavell.

“Tuhoe have established their own reo and tikanga as the basis for educating their children, and today’s launch is a huge step forward,” he said.

“Tuhoe have been leaders in Maori education since the late 1970s, when Te Kura o Ruatoki and te Kura o Tawera were recognised as two of the first four bilingual schools in the country.

“Today around 200 people gathered at Te Kura o Ruatoki, with officials from the Ministry of Education, to commemorate the launch.

“I do have to wonder why such an important initiative attracted so little media interest. It was nothing like the 15th of October last year – today there was only one television camera present.

“But it was a very auspicious day for everyone, and I congratulate Ngai Tuhoe on achieving this milestone towards tino rangatiratanga,” said Mr Flavell.