Mātāmua ko te Taiao, Mātāmuri ko te Tangata’ - Mātaiao: Pursuing Mātauranga Māori Through Observing the Environment (Taiao) That Supports Indigenous Ways of Learning
Tracks
Room 3 - In-Person Only
| Monday, October 21, 2024 |
| 2:15 PM - 2:35 PM |
| Room 3 |
Overview
Chrissy Hilton, Toi Tangata
Speaker
Chrissy Hilton
Toi Tangata
Mātāmua ko te taiao, mātāmuri ko te tangata’ - Mātaiao: Pursuing Mātauranga Māori through observing the environment (taiao) that supports indigenous ways of learning
Abstract
Mātaiao is an innovative initiative launched in 2023 to integrate the Atua Matua framework within Māori
medium kura, to deepen the understanding and application of mātauranga (knowledge) Māori through
a focused engagement with te taiao (environment). Mātaiao interweaves three key themes to foster
holistic educational experience: environmental observation, physical engagement and storytelling.
The core of Mātaiao is the principle of observing and interacting with natural phenomena. It is crucial
for accessing and understanding mātauranga Māori. The observational approach serves as both a
pedagogical method and a pathway to deeper environmental connection, emphasising the significance
of te taiao as a living classroom where learning is both seen and experienced.
Kei te takanga o te pito mata (it’s not about the destination it’s about the journey) highlights the journey
of learning through kori (exercise). This aspect of Mātaiao facilitates access to mātauranga by engaging
kaiako in physical activities that are significant to identity such as navigating wai (water) and whenua
(land) pathways. These experiences are not focused on the physical aspects but rather cultural
learnings, enriched in the overall journey.
The use of pūrākau or storytelling through traditional narratives illustrate how these stories can be
utilised to enhance understanding and the retention of mātauranga. Pūrākau (story-telling) connects
the learner with ancestral knowledge and ancestral experiences, reinforcing the lesson that originated
within that natural environment.
Mātaiao not only provides an educational experience but instills a sense of identity, resilience, and
wellbeing that kaiako will be able to reciprocate into their own teaching pedagogies in kura kaupapa
Māori(Māori medium schools). Mātaiao’s success in integrating these approaches highlights its
importance of connection to te taiao (environment) and has proven to be pivotal in creating revitalising
learning pathways that result in better health and wellbeing outcomes for Māori.
medium kura, to deepen the understanding and application of mātauranga (knowledge) Māori through
a focused engagement with te taiao (environment). Mātaiao interweaves three key themes to foster
holistic educational experience: environmental observation, physical engagement and storytelling.
The core of Mātaiao is the principle of observing and interacting with natural phenomena. It is crucial
for accessing and understanding mātauranga Māori. The observational approach serves as both a
pedagogical method and a pathway to deeper environmental connection, emphasising the significance
of te taiao as a living classroom where learning is both seen and experienced.
Kei te takanga o te pito mata (it’s not about the destination it’s about the journey) highlights the journey
of learning through kori (exercise). This aspect of Mātaiao facilitates access to mātauranga by engaging
kaiako in physical activities that are significant to identity such as navigating wai (water) and whenua
(land) pathways. These experiences are not focused on the physical aspects but rather cultural
learnings, enriched in the overall journey.
The use of pūrākau or storytelling through traditional narratives illustrate how these stories can be
utilised to enhance understanding and the retention of mātauranga. Pūrākau (story-telling) connects
the learner with ancestral knowledge and ancestral experiences, reinforcing the lesson that originated
within that natural environment.
Mātaiao not only provides an educational experience but instills a sense of identity, resilience, and
wellbeing that kaiako will be able to reciprocate into their own teaching pedagogies in kura kaupapa
Māori(Māori medium schools). Mātaiao’s success in integrating these approaches highlights its
importance of connection to te taiao (environment) and has proven to be pivotal in creating revitalising
learning pathways that result in better health and wellbeing outcomes for Māori.
Biography
Haere kuhu atu i Waikato Tanuwharau he piko, he taniwha.
E ko Ngāti Motai, e ko Ngāti Rangitawhia, e ko Ngāti Raukawa te mihi atu nei.
Taylah-Jade was born and raised in Tāmaki Makaurau, she schooled in bilingual units attending
Westmere, Kowhai Intermediate, and Ngā Puna o Waiorea or Western Springs College. She hopes to
firstly help enhance the implementation of Mātaiao in Māori medium schools that support
environmental knowledge and practices; secondly, she would like to help support the health and
physical outcomes for Māori students and teachers.
