Ngā whai painga o Te Ao Haka—The positive impacts of Te Ao Haka for ākonga, whānau, and kaiako

Ngā whai painga o Te Ao Haka: The positive impacts of Te Ao Haka for ākonga, whānau, and kaiako is a kaupapa Māori research study from Te Wāhanga. It set out to understand what benefits and changes can occur for ākonga Māori, whānau, and kaiako when a subject such as Te Ao Haka—that is grounded in te ao Māori and centres Māori culture, language and identity, knowledge systems, and iwi traditions—has mana ōrite or equal status within NCEA and The New Zealand Curriculum.

Te Ao Haka is a culturally responsive art form that provides opportunities for all ākonga to participate in Māori culture, language and traditional practices, and encourages creativity and expression in multiple forms. 

Read more: About Te Ao Haka (NZQA)

We found that participation in Te Ao Haka has benefits for ākonga, whānau, and kaiako that centre around Māori culture and identity, the revitalisation of te reo Māori, hauora and wellbeing, and educational achievement.

For ākonga, participation in Te Ao Haka:

• enhances identity, culture, and language
• facilitates strong connections with peers
• grows skills, dispositions, and qualities that support wellbeing, success, and achievement in school and in life
• provides learning and skills that are transferable to other subjects
• creates a culture of excellence and high expectations
• develops a deeper understanding of Te Ao Haka.

This report was produced by Rangahau Mātauranga o Aotearoa for Mana Tohu Mātauranga o Aotearoa | NZQA.