Niho Taniwha: in-depth professional learning
Deep transformation for enduring change
Quick take: Niho Taniwha at a glance
A powerful kaupapa Māori model developed with Dr Melanie Riwai-Couch.
Long-term professional development programme tailored to schools and Kāhui Ako.
Embeds kaupapa Māori principles into every layer of teaching and learning.
Aligned with key frameworks like Ka Hikitia, Ka Hāpaitia, and Tātaiako.
Tailored to your school or Kāhui Ako.
Deep transformation for enduring change
Transform your school's journey with Niho Taniwha – a powerful kaupapa Māori model designed to bring real, lasting change.
We have partnered with Dr Melanie Riwai-Couch to develop this PLD programme, based on her acclaimed book, Niho Taniwha.
Niho Taniwha is more than a professional learning programme – it is an in-depth haerenga (journey) that brings lasting transformation to schools and Kāhui Ako. This PLD opportunity takes educators beyond surface-level improvements, helping them embed kaupapa Māori principles into every layer of teaching and learning. It provides the tools, support, and reflective processes necessary for educators to make meaningful changes that uplift ākonga Māori and strengthen cultural capability across their educational environments.
What does the in-depth work involve?
Alignment with key educational frameworks
Niho Taniwha is aligned with key frameworks including Ka Hikitia, Ka Hāpaitia (The Māori Education Strategy), Te Ara Huarau (School Improvement Framework), and Tātaiako (cultural competencies for teachers of Māori learners). This alignment ensures that the learning aligns with national priorities, supporting schools to meet their obligations under these important strategies.
Collaborative, long-term commitment
The Niho Taniwha in-depth PLD programme is a comprehensive process that spans 18 months to two years, depending on the context and needs of your school or Kāhui Ako. This long-term commitment ensures that change is sustainable and deeply integrated into your everyday practices. The programme includes a combination of on-site facilitation, webinars, and professional learning groups, supported by expert facilitators who guide you every step of the way.
Customised to your context
Each in-depth haerenga is tailored to the specific needs, vision, and values of your school or Kāhui Ako. The programme begins with a thorough analysis of your starting place – understanding the current environment, your strengths, and opportunities for growth. Together, we co-construct goals that align with kaupapa Māori principles, ensuring that our approach meets your unique needs.
Phases of the haerenga
Ngā Uarā - the values that guide us
The Niho Taniwha haerenga involves four structured phases, each underpinned by the core values of Tika, Pono, and Aroha:
Whai (focus): Explore new learning, set goals, and connect with whānau, hapū, and iwi. This phase establishes your kaupapa and identifies key areas for growth.
Ako (learn): Dive deep into the kaupapa, build cultural competencies, and authentically honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Reflect on current practices and explore new possibilities.
Mau (grasp): Consolidate new knowledge and assess how well these concepts are embedded into daily practice. This phase focuses on embedding the depth of change effectively.
Tipu (grow): Take action to create real, measurable change for ākonga Māori. Celebrate growth, assess progress, and plan for continuous improvement.
Your facilitators support you and your team through a kaupapa Māori professional learning process.
Key benefits of the in-depth programme
Below are the benefits for school leaders and teachers, showcasing how this journey meets diverse educational needs.
Benefits for school leaders
Alignment with sector changes: Navigate the ongoing changes in the education sector to ensure alignment that benefits ākonga Māori.
Strategic alignment: Gain tools to align your school’s goals with kaupapa Māori principles and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Leadership growth: Develop as a culturally responsive leader, driving transformational change for staff and ākonga.
Community engagement: Strengthen relationships with whānau, hapū, and iwi to ensure leadership decisions reflect community needs.
Sustainable impact: Commit to long-term changes that lead to sustained transformation rather than short-term gains.
Benefits for teachers
Cultural capability: Build competencies essential for honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi and supporting ākonga Māori.
Reflective practice: Engage in deep reflection, challenge assumptions, and make meaningful adjustments to improve outcomes.
Professional growth: Embed kaupapa Māori in daily teaching, creating an inclusive, empowering classroom environment.
Whānau and community connection: Strengthen relationships with whānau, hapū, and iwi, essential for success at every phase.
Kaupapa Māori integration: Align teaching practices with kaupapa Māori principles to foster cultural capability.
Ready to take the next step?
The value of Niho Taniwha lies in the reflective processes it evokes, which lead to actionable change. This haerenga takes you into yourselves, your schools, and your communities to examine the gap between what exists and the potential of what might be achieved. The Niho Taniwha in-depth PLD journey is for schools and Kāhui Ako ready to make a real commitment to transforming their learning environments for ākonga Māori.
