More than 30 secondary schools and kura kaupapa Māori across the country will be introducing a Māori Performing Arts subject called Te Ao Haka (The World of Haka), available for NCEA at all levels.
It was announced this week at Wellington's Pipitea Marae, and a workshop for participating kaiako/teachers has now taken place over a three-day period.
"This is a significant step in our efforts to ensure Māori knowledge, culture and approaches to learning are valued, recognised and supported in accordance with the Government's obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi." Ellen MacGregor-Reid, the Deputy Secretary, Early Learning and Student Achievement, said in a statement.
Te Ao Haka is performance-based, grounded in knowledge of Māori culture, language and identity and will advance a range of skills that can support students to pursue further studies or career pathways.
![Kamo High student Bronwyn-Shontique Clifford performing at the Te Tai Tokerau Secondary Schools Kapa Haka in 2018. Photo / John Stone](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/LAMW7EZOIH3Y24I2AALFGQXQCE.jpg?auth=7a31ec054039c46668fb47f497e03751444ba5080a712c3a95876eb8425667fc&width=16&height=9&quality=70&smart=true)