Otago’s Papatipu Rūnaka Launch Groundbreaking Education Initiative with Support from Otago Community Trust

Media Release

Otago’s three Papatipu Rūnaka have joined forces to establish an innovative education hub aimed at transforming cultural capability across the region's education sector. The initiative, named Hono ki Tua, represents a collaborative effort between Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki, Te Rūnaka o Ōtākou, and Te Rūnaka o Moeraki, with Otago Community Trust announcing that it will provide funding of $1.804 million over three years for the ambitious project.

Hono ki Tua seeks to develop a sustainable education hub focused on working with education providers throughout the Otago region to enhance knowledge and understanding of the Kāi Tahu heritage and culture specific to each rūnaka. This initiative builds upon and extends well-established services and longstanding sector relationships.

Taking a phased approach, the hub will initially employ dedicated Kaitoko Mātauraka (Education Experts) and a Kaikōkiri Mātauraka (Team Leader) to work with education providers across Otago - spanning early childhood, primary, and secondary education sectors - to deliver initiatives such as kapa haka training, marae-based school programmes and workshops for whānau and kaiako alike. It also aims to ensure educational providers better understand rūnaka aspirations as mana whenua, while developing their local cultural knowledge and the specific context of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in Te Waipounamu.

The initiative aligns with OCT's strategic focus on lifting educational achievement and enhancing cultural capabilities of education providers, strengthening the durability of the Treaty claims settlement process, and improving educational outcomes for all ākonga (learners).

This landmark project represents the largest grant to date from the Trust's dedicated Impact for Tamariki & Rangatahi Fund and demonstrates a significant step forward in addressing a clear need within Otago's education system.

The initiative is also an important way for the OCT to collaborate with mana whenua and support their long commitment to building cultural capability within the education system. Through this work, Hono ki Tua seeks to improve educational outcomes for all students while building a more inclusive society: one in which Kāi Tahu whānau can better see their heritage and culture usefully woven into educational settings.

Board member of Hono ki Tua, Dr Rachel Martin, says she is delighted to receive funding from OCT.  

“The development of Hono ki Tua provides Kā rūnaka Ōtākou, Kāti Huirapa ki Puketeraki, and Moeraki, with an innovative approach to form Te Tiriti o Waitangi based outcomes within our respective takiwā (tribal territories).

“It’s an exciting time and we are looking forward to working with OCT, whānau and education providers over the next three years.

“We are deeply grateful to the late Rua McCallum (Moeraki) who initially spearheaded this project but sadly passed away before she could see it come to fruition. We are heartened that her legacy will live on through Hono ki Tua.”

The project will benefit all learners and teachers, foster a genuine sense of belonging, and help address some of the educational disadvantages faced by Māori students. Working holistically with schools, teachers, students, and whānau across the Otago region, the initiative builds upon a strong foundation of community support as demonstrated by many letters of endorsement from the community.  Jeff Burrow, Principal of Warrington School said "the support and guidance provided through local pūrākau, cultural wānaka, and engagement with marae have enriched our students' understanding of their heritage and identity, contributing to their overall well-being and achievement. These connections are invaluable in helping us build a curriculum that reflects the histories and values of our region, fostering a deeper sense of belonging for all our learners.“

“As a school principal I regularly seek advice and support from our local marae. Enabling the three rūnaka to combine their resources to support us in the education sector would be immensely helpful” said Jen Rogers, Principal of St Clair School.

Through this comprehensive approach, Hono ki Tua seeks to create a more culturally inclusive educational environment and support the development of tamariki, rangatahi, and their whānau.