Mātaiao

“I have seen my classmates' behaviour has changed and improved as well from learning outside rather than in a classroom.” – Tauira

Mātaiao is a kaupapa Māori initiative that supports kura and kaiako to enhance the wellbeing of ākonga through the pursuit of mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge). Funded by Sport NZ and delivered by kaupapa Māori providers, Mātaiao creates positive physical activity experiences for tamariki and rangatahi by strengthening connections to te taiao (the natural environment) and culture.

Through these connections, Mātaiao contributes to Healthy Active Learning outcomes by supporting kura to embed culturally grounded, place-based approaches to learning and wellbeing.

Launched in 2020 as the Tapuwaekura pilot and underpinned by the Atua Matua health framework, Mātaiao now partners with over 80 kura and wharekura across Aotearoa, with 40 receiving targeted support.

This happens through taiao‑based wānanga for kaiako, alongside locally led, group‑based, multi‑kura activities (the kapa approach).

Mātaiao is evaluated separately from Healthy Active Learning using kaupapa Māori evaluation principles. Findings show that where kura sustain their engagement in the kaupapa, Mātaiao contributes to:

• increased physical activity and regular, integrated place-based learning in te taiao
• stronger taiao literacy
• higher levels of engagement in, and enjoyment of, learning
• increased kura leadership capability and capacity
• improved teacher practice, with greater use of mātauranga Māori and physical activity ams contexts for learning
• the development of curriculum approaches shaped by relationships with te taiao and iwi.

“Once you value your own, value yourself, value your language, value your tikanga, value your mātauranga, it’s a different ball game and that’s the platform where you develop people’s wellbeing.” – Dr Wayne Ngata, Kaiwhakahaere, Mātaiaio

Supported through Mātaiao, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Tonga o Hokianga has integrated local knowledge across its curriculum, with tauira (learners) learning through experiences such as climbing their maunga, visiting their marae, hunting, fishing and preparing hāngī.

Kaiako report that learning beyond the classroom has increased engagement and strengthened tauira identity and connection to their whakapapa and whenua.

The kura has also developed a more localised curriculum; each term they focus on values and mātauranga specific to a Hokianga context. This approach strengthens relationships with kaumātua and kuia and supports kaiako to lead learning that is grounded in place and culture.