Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Dear Parents/Caregivers/Whānau

Re: Te Tiriti o Waitangi

The government recently announced an amendment to the Education and Training Act which removes the specific requirement for school boards to “give effect” to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Our school values of respect, responsibility, and motivation are demonstrated throughout our kura.

• Kia whakaute (Respect): We respect all people from all cultures, including takata whenua.

• Kia takohaka (Responsibility): We act as kaitiaki / guardians of our environment, and this concept of shared stewardship is central to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

• Kia whakahihikotaka (Motivation): We are motivated to build and sustain our community. 

By affirming our position, we provide certainty and clarity to our students, parents/caregivers, whānau, and the wider school community that we will continue to honour and uphold our obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Our commitment is not based on a legislative requirement. For our board, honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi is not a compliance exercise; it is a fundamental commitment.

We will be formally communicating our stance to the Ministry of Education in opposition to the amendment to section 127(2)(e) of the Education and Training Act.

The Board is dedicated to continued advocacy for the preservation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi as both a founding document for Aotearoa and an understanding of partnership in action.

Our community, staff, and students can be assured that our board will continue to govern the school in a way that is consistent with these enduring commitments.

Kā mihi nui

Helen Newcombe

Tumuaki