Educating the Teacher Educators: Embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi Relationships in Ongoing Professional Learning and Development

Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the founding document for Aotearoa me Te Waipounamu New Zealand, establishes Māori authority and sovereignty over lands as well as Māori ways of being, doing and knowing (mātauranga Māori). This article describes how a professional learning and development (PLD) programme for university staff was implemented to increase staff integration of te reo Māori (Māori language) and inclusion of Te Tiriti o Waitangi partnerships and relationships in education. Drawing from Kaupapa Māori principles and Te Tiriti o Waitangi framework, two non-Māori lecturers met with two Māori lecturers to better integrate te reo me kā tikaka Māori (Māori language and cultural practices) into their courses. This pairing was created to ensure that a range of Māori and non-Māori perspectives were recognized. Thematic analysis of PLD session transcripts and critical reflexions have indicated the importance of relational, personalised PLD; access to knowledge, skills, and resources; and safe spaces for risk-taking. Outcomes have included increased motivation, confidence and integration of te reo me kā tikaka Māori throughout programmes and increased confidence as Te Tiriti o Waitangi partners. As a result, the PLD programme has had increased uptake with other staff and has provoked change in teaching and learning.