We’re not all the same. New Zealand education is committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi but if it’s going to succeed for Maori learners and their whānau, cultural capability is critical. This requires teachers and kaiako to recognise diversity of culture, gender and sexuality and to appreciate and amplify the view through a Te Ao Māori lens. 

A focus on cultural capability requires teachers and kaiako to recognise diversity of identities – including culture, gender, sexuality and ability – and to take action to amplify the views of those and their communities who have been marginalised. Culturally capable teachers and kaiako locate knowledge that has been marginalised – and connect with and legitimise this knowledge in the curriculum. Culturally capable teachers and kaiako are aware of practices that perpetuate discrimination, racism and inequity. They can analyse and adjust practices to communicate and teach in ways that develop critical consciousness and sustain and value cultural identity.