Media Release: Whakapapa Decisions - Whānau Centric Campaign Drives Māori Representation in School Board Elections
The Mātauranga Iwi Leaders Group (MILG) has launched Whakapapa Decisions: a national campaign designed to increase Māori participation in the upcoming school board elections through nominations, voting, and whānau-led engagement.
School boards are where many of the most critical decisions about tamariki education are made, from how schools embed te ao Māori into the schooling experience, to how learning support and cultural safety are delivered, every day
“We’re amplifying the call for whānau, hapū and iwi to be part of those decisions, not just by voting, but by standing for election, facilitating conversations and adding critical information to their kete wānanga,” says Maxine Graham, Lead Technician for Mātauranga Iwi Leaders Group. “This is about changing outcomes for our tamariki by ensuring Māori voices are strong and visible in the places where governance decisions are made.”
The campaign officially launched its visual phase last week at the National Iwi Chairs Forum (NICF) in Tūranga on Thursday 3 July, following on from positive engagement at the Ako Ararau Māori Expo (1–2 July).
The campaign includes digital resources, community kaupapa, visual stories and wānanga to build awareness and confidence among potential Māori nominees, voters, and school communities. It aims to strengthen whakapapa-driven leadership within school governance so that Māori identities, experiences, and aspirations are supported throughout all levels of the education journey.
Upcoming campaign events include:
NZSBA National Conference Presentation | 11–13 July, Ōtautahi
MILG will present at the New Zealand School Boards Association national conference, advocating for more Māori representation at the governance level
He Kaupapa Kōrero: Whānau, Hapū & Iwi Information Session | 14 July, 3:00 PM
A free online open-access session providing practical information about standing for election, supporting candidates, and why participation matters for whānau, hapū and iwi.
“We know that when Māori are involved in decisions about education, outcomes improve. Whakapapa Decisions is about reasserting our role as kaitiaki of learning and ensuring kura and schools are places where our tamariki and whānau can thrive as Māori,” says Ms Graham.
ENDS
Media Contact
Hana Tapiata | hana.tapiata@milg.co.nz
About the Mātauranga Iwi Leaders Group
MILG leads mātauranga and education responses for the National Iwi Chairs Forum.
NICF exists to advocate and influence matters of national significance on behalf of
iwi across Aotearoa. For more information, visit www.milg.co.nz
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