Whāia te Ara Tika - know better, do better

He waka eke noa, eke panuku eke tangaroa, haumi e, hui e, taiki e 

Embrace cultural capability and change

About Whāia te Ara Tika 

Whāia te Ara Tika is a transformative professional learning programme designed in collaboration with Dr. Melanie Riwai-Couch, based on the kaupapa of Niho Taniwha. This journey is intended for schools and Kāhui Ako who have already embarked on their Niho Taniwha PLD and are eager to deepen their commitment to cultural integrity and transformation. 

With Whāia te Ara Tika, we invite educators to continue building on their foundational knowledge, honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and foster meaningful change throughout their educational communities. 

Flexible options to suit your needs 

Whāia te Ara Tika offers two flexible cycles, allowing you to select the pathway that fits your school’s needs: 

Two-term cycle 

A focused programme designed to enhance your understanding of Aotearoa’s cultural context, enabling you to honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and lead cultural change within your school. 

One-year cycle 

For a more comprehensive experience, the one-year cycle includes two consecutive rounds of the two-term programme. This extended timeframe provides greater opportunities for deep learning and transformation. 

Choose your kaupapa 

Participants have the opportunity to choose the kaupapa that best aligns with their school's priorities: 

  • Kaupapa 1: Honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi 

  • Kaupapa 2: Developing cultural competence & addressing racism in schools 

  • Kaupapa 3: Te Reo me ōna tikanga Māori & embracing diversity (kanorautanga) 

  • Kaupapa 4: Whanaungatanga and strengthening whānau-school partnerships 

For the two-term cycle, participants select one kaupapa. For the one-year cycle, participants can engage with two kaupapa to maximise impact. 

Your learning path 

Whāia te Ara Tika is designed to support continuous growth and reflection: 

  • Whai: A one-hour online launch, along with self-paced pre-learning modules to build foundational knowledge. 

  • Ako: A full-day, in-depth face-to-face workshop where educators connect and explore key cultural concepts. 

  • Mau: A deep dive into evidence-based research supporting cultural shifts in schools. 

  • Tipu: A two-hour online Professional Learning Group session for collaboration and reflection on practice. 

Four triangles, Whai, Ako, Mau and Tipu

Why choose Whāia te Ara Tika? 

This programme is an opportunity for educators who have already engaged with Niho Taniwha PLD to take the next step. It is tailored for those who are ready to continue growing in cultural capability and embed meaningful changes in their schools. Our partnership with Dr.Melanie Riwai-Couch ensures that Whāia te Ara Tika is grounded in authentic, culturally responsive methodologies that can lead to impactful change in Aotearoa’s education landscape. 

Investment details 

  • Two-term cycle: $5,990 + GST (for up to 20 teachers) 

  • One-year cycle: $10,270 + GST (for up to 20 teachers) 

  • Additional teachers: $600 + GST per 10 additional teachers 

(Note: travel costs not included.) 

Interested in Whāia te Ara Tika for your school or Kāhui Ako?