Maori Reference Group

The Maori Reference Group (MRG) was established in November 2006 at a hui, held at the Ponsonby offices of ASB Community Trust (ASBCT).

Hui participants were briefed on the Trust’s proposed project, which included a significant ASBCT investment to address inequities of educational outcomes between Maori and non-Maori.

Participants were sourced from existing Trust networks. Experts in Maori education, community leaders, school principals, ASBCT Trustees and staff were present. Participants were asked to provide their ‘corporate wisdom’ and the governance necessary to start the project.

Those invited by the Trust were selected on the basis of their experience in education and on what they had achieved either in the formal sector, or in their communities. The meeting included a number of Maori teachers and principals as well as well respected Maori academics and community leaders. In drawing up the list the Trust endeavoured to get geographic coverage. In inviting participants the Trust acknowledged that each of the invitees was part of a wider network bringing their personal, professional and iwi connections.

At the first hui the Trust outlined its vision and the challenge that the Trust had identified, asked those present to assist with identifying the strategy and assisting the Trust in identifying those groups and projects that have the capacity to address the issue.

Those at that meeting approved the project brief in principle and the Trust began work on staffing and project development.

The MRG membership changed through the year, with some members dropping off due to other commitments and there were some additions as word spread about the project. There is now a core group of MRG members who have confirmed their ongoing commitment to this project.

Ma tatou ano tatou e korero – We speak for ourselves.

The Maori Reference Group’s vision:

Ma tatou ano tatou e korero – We speak for ourselves.
 
The mission:
To build a culture of Maori educational achievement
 

The successful endpoint of the project is envisaged as:

A fully engaged Maori citizen.
 

The project is based on the following principles:

  • Strategic Relevance – must advance Maori engagement in citizenship through education
  • Sustainability
  • Measurable outcomes
  • Based on partnership and self-help. Must have evidence of community ownership
  • Adequate capacity for delivery

Debate has been rigorous and critical. Discussion has canvassed a range of issues facing the Maori community and its children.

At the August 2007 hui the MRG agreed that invitations for Expressions of Interest will be disseminated throughout education institutions and communities as a starting point to ascertain prospective initiatives for the project. Priority areas are:

  • School-community-home engagement
  • School and beyond
  • Kaupapa Maori-based education

There will also be space for initiatives that do not fit within these areas.