Developing an evidence base

In line with the Trust’s vision and mission, it decided to address the well-documented issue of the underachievement of Maori and Pasifika children in NZ schools. Statistics published by the New Zealand Ministry of Education in 2005 showed that while 21.7% of European/Pakeha children left school with less than NZCEA Level One qualifications, the corresponding figures for Maori were 48.9% and for Pasifika 36.6%. The figure for Maori boys was 52.7%.

From inception the Trust has ensured that the discussions and any projects that eventuate from them will come from an evidence base. The Trust has been developing its knowledge base in this area and has drawn on data produced by the Ministry of Education, the Education Review Office, the Department of Statistics and the University of Auckland, in particular the Starpath project.

Data provided by Dr Michael Walker, from the University of Auckland, shows that from Postcode 1730 north, Auckland and Northland: 90% of students in decile 1 schools are Maori or Pasifika; 75% of students in decile 1-3 schools are Maori/Pasifika and that 58% of all Maori/Pasifika students are in decile 1-3 schools.

The evidence base for the project development has been evenly acquired from both existing research in Maori and Pasifika education and the ‘corporate wisdom’ of the reference groups. In addition, the reference groups have placed an emphasis on evidence centered in community enterprise.

A research scoping exercise was undertaken by the Trust in August 2007 to provide a robust research review on Maori and Pasifika education. The following research summary comprises some of the research sources considered by the reference groups in developing the priority areas of the project.

• Nga Haeata Matauranga – Annual report on Maori education 2005 – Ministry of Education
• The achievement of Maori students June 2006 – Education Review Office
• Quickstats About Maori – Revised March 2007 – Census 2006
• Te Kotahitanga the experience of year 9 and 10 Maori students in mainstream classrooms (2003)
• Starpath Project for tertiary participation and success - research findings
• Hui Taumata Matauranga - 2006

The above list is not an exhaustive research review of community-centered education. It has, however, provided sufficient data to enable the reference group to articulate priority areas for the project.