A new book born out of Rotorua is guiding the early years' education sector to practise culturally responsive learning and teaching.
The book refers to a Ngāti Rangiwewehi tupuna, Hikairo, as an exemplary figure around which the content is based.
The The Hikairo Schema was reaffirmed for publication at a tribal meeting at the weekend and Te Maru o Ngāti Rangiwewehi chairman Joe Tuhakaraina said the iwi was always enthusiastic about educational advancement and the publication added to it.
The adaptable guide invites kaiako (teachers) to rethink approaches to engaging tamariki, re-envisage the teacher and learner dynamic, revise old habits, and reconfigure learning environments to acknowledge and embrace cultural differences.
The appetite for cultural ways of knowing and doing is stronger than ever before believes lead author, Māori research Professor Angus Macfarlane.