Bridging Two Worlds
Te TÅ«hono i ngÄ Ao e Rua
“Would I say this to my kuia?â€
This case focuses on the challenges that kaupapa MÄori can present within professional practice and in particular within professional discussions between younger and older colleagues. The participants and commentators are all female, but the questions and discussions could apply just as much to situations involving older and younger male colleagues.
The case has much to offer those working outside of MÄori-medium settings, as reflected in this invitation from one of the participants: “Here is another way, one that is good for the MÄori world and that also benefits the PÄkehÄ world. Look, come on, sit with me, this is what we MÄori have to offer, and perhaps you will see there are benefits for PÄkehÄ too.â€
Case participants
Ripeka Lessels
Ripeka Lessels is a resource teacher: MÄori in the Waiariki region.
Wini Emery
Wini Emery is an adviser: MÄori at the University of Waikato.
Heeni McClunie
Heeni McClunie is a resource teacher: MÄori in the Tauranga region.
Leeana Herewini
Leeana Herewini is an adviser: MÄori at the University of Waikato.
Dee Reid
Dee Reid is an adviser: MÄori at the University of Waikato.
Sarah-Jane Tiakiwai
Sarah-Jane Tiakiwai is a researcher at Te Whare WÄnanga o AwanuiÄrangi.
Background
Leeana is an experienced adviser and has had leadership responsibilities in MÄori-medium pÄngarau education for more than five years. Part of her role involves visiting and supporting facilitators within Te Poutama Tau; sometimes this includes observing a facilitator at work and providing feedback on specific areas that have been agreed prior to the observation.
On this occasion, Wini had invited Leeana to observe a teachers’ workshop that she was conducting and that was also being recorded on audiotape. They had agreed that they would discuss the recording transcript and Leeana’s notes from the observation a week later.
Commentators
Kaa Williams
Kaa Williams is a senior lecturer at Te WÄnanga Takiura o ngÄ Kura Kaupapa MÄori and part-time lecturer in MÄori papers for The University of Waikato, The University of Auckland, and Te Whare WÄnanga o AwanuiÄrangi.
John Loughran
Professor John Loughran is based at Monash University in Melbourne. He has a particular interest in the importance of reflective practice within teachers’ and teacher educators’ learning.
Leading ISTE learning for this case
How this case reflects the ISTE inquiry and knowledge-building cycle
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