Tuia Te Ako Blog 4 – Whakawhitiwhiti Kōrero

The purpose of Tuia Te Ako is to discuss and debate issues of importance to Māori in the tertiary sector. The importance of kōrero is highlighted in the whakataukī, Ko tā te rangatira kai, he kōrero – the food of chiefs is talk.

Obviously this relates to meaningful and relevant discussion which advances understanding or imparts knowledge. Ako Aotearoa is grateful to the teachers and leaders who gave of their time to talk with me about their institutions, work and goals. We are also grateful to the sector representatives who sat on the Tuia Te Ako planning committee who have guided and overseen the planning and development of Tuia Te Ako. The result of their kōrero is a cohesive Māori strategy and a hui that is relevant and inclusive and will ultimately improve outcomes for tauira Māori.

The importance of sharing kōrero will once again be emphasised when Dr Linda Smith shares her ideas on the topic of “So tell me why a tertiary qualification matters for Māori?” In her presentation she will look at the contribution that tertiary education makes to the quality of Māori minds.

The hui format is one that has arisen from the kōrero at planning meetings and is unique in that it allows conversations to happen between the delegates and presenters and for input from the delegates to occur in the workshops.

Hui delegates and interested parties will also be able to access keynote presentations and panel discussions online after the hui at http://akoaotearoa.ac.nz/tuiateako.

After the rush of activity that has happened in the last month, the anticipation of engaging in meaningful conversation with fabulous and talented people is kicking.

Hei Pipitea tātau tūtakitaki, whakakotahi ai.