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Mātaiao

Enhancing learning through te taiao

Mātaiao

Enhancing learning through te taiao


Evaluation approach

Te Paetawhiti Ltd & Associates have led the kaupapa Māori centred evaluation of Mātaiao. It is focused on understanding: 

  1. What is important when implementing Mātaiao.
  1. What difference Mātaiao has made for tauira, kaiako, and kura.

Sport NZ acknowledges Ngā Pākura, Toi Tangata, Te Papa Tākaro o Te Arawa, Te Paetawhiti, whānau and kura involved in the implementation and evaluation of Mātaiao.

Mā te rongo, ka mōhio,

mā te mōhio, ka mārama,

mā te mārama, ka mātau,

mā te mātau, ka ora.

From listening comes knowledge,

from knowledge comes understanding,

from understanding comes wisdom,

from wisdom comes well-being.

Mātaiao Evaluation April 2025 Infographic Page 1
Mātaiao Evaluation April 2025 Infographic Page 2

 

Mātaiao in action

Te Kura o Te Muriwai in Gisborne Tairāwhiti is one of 57 kura supported through Mātaiao since it’s inception in 2020.

 

What is Mātaiao?

A kaupapa Māori approach supporting kura and kaiako to enhance ākonga wellbeing through mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge). Funded by Sport NZ, it strengthens tamariki and rangatahi connection to te taiao (the natural world) and culture through physical activity and learning.

Mātaiao emerged from the pilot Tapuwaekura, and Tapuwaekura emerged from the Atua Matua health framework. 

“He tirotiro ki ngā tohu o te taiao, ōna atua, ōna mātauranga, ka whakaarahia hei akoranga mā te tangata.”
“Mātaiao means to observe the world, that is, observe environmental phenomena and knowledge, and use those as a teaching and learning approach.”

- Dr Wayne Ngata

 

map of kura offering mataio




Total number of kura engaged in Mātaiao

 

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