Te Kawa Matakura to be 3-year extension programme to grow young Māori leaders

“Te Kawa Matakura is based on the concept of te iti mata tuhi māreikura – developing excellent Māori advocates and leaders. It will improve outcomes and wellbeing for Māori students and help deliver on a number of our Government’s priorities,” Kelvin Davis said.

An education programme that will grow future young Māori leaders through mātauranga and te reo Māori will be delivered in Te Tai Tokerau in 2020, Associate Education Minister Kelvin Davis announced today.

Te Kawa Matakura will be a three-year extension programme available to 15-25-year-olds skilled in te reo and other aspects of te ao Māori, supported by iwi and recognised by a formal qualification.

"Te Kawa Matakura is based on the concept of te iti mata tuhi māreikura – developing excellent Māori advocates and leaders. It will improve outcomes and wellbeing for Māori students and help deliver on a number of our Government's priorities," Kelvin Davis said.

"Along with Te Ahu o te Reo Māori, which I launched last week, this is going to help us secure the future of te reo Māori.

"This is also about valuing who we are as a country and a people. Our stories, language, culture and history are unique - and we must celebrate and preserve them.

"Growing the skills and knowledge of these young leaders will benefit their marae, iwi, communities, their own future career opportunities - and all of New Zealand," Kelvin Davis said.

Participants will need to be endorsed by iwi leaders and whānau.

(With Inputs from New Zealand Government Press Release)