New leadership at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology is expected to ensure Māori education further flourishes locally, as Huia Lloyd explains.
Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology is committed to seeing success for Māori continue to grow. While strengthening already established hapū and iwi relationships, this signals our intention to further drive meaningful change and foster genuine Tiriti partnerships.
I am thrilled to have joined the Toi Ohomai executive leadership team as the executive director of Tiriti Partnerships and Māori Success. This role reflects the ongoing commitment Toi Ohomai has in giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi across the entire organisation.
Historically, education has not always represented Māori aspirations and voices, but Toi Ohomai is actively working to confirm ākonga Māori can succeed as Māori. A key focus of my role is to support and champion Māori perspectives on success. This does not exclude discussions of academic achievement, instead it acknowledges that language, culture, identity and academic success are deeply interconnected and mutually enriching.
The team already working in this space brings a deep passion for education and expertise, as evidenced by developing Te Tiriti o Waitangi excellence within our systems, processes and practices. At Toi Ohomai, the commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi is not about ticking boxes; it is about embracing partnerships that enrich the educational experience for Māori, including ākonga (students) and kaimahi (staff).
Māori success is about valuing Māori voices and knowledge systems in order to understand and support their aspirations. Regular engagement and co-designed initiatives are central to this process. By working with iwi and hapū to co-create a vision for ākonga success, we pave the way for genuine partnerships. Furthermore, defining how and why we measure this success provides opportunities for ākonga and kaimahi, fostering mutual learning and understanding.
Integrating Māori perspectives and mātauranga (knowledge) into the curriculum enriches the learning experience for all students, both domestic and international. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of Māori culture and the history of Aotearoa, helping create a more inclusive educational environment.
The Bay of Plenty and South Waikato regions are rich in cultural heritage and diversity. By embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi into its operations, Toi Ohomai is not only enhancing its educational offerings but also contributing to the social and economic wellbeing of these communities. This commitment to Māori success has the potential to create ripple effects, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.
As Toi Ohomai continues its journey, the possibilities ahead are exciting. Honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi requires collective effort and, together, we can create an environment where ākonga Māori and kaimahi feel valued and supported to achieve their full potential.
