Iwi around the country are calling on the Government to let them have a say to improve educational outcomes for Maori students.
A group appointed by 57 iwi education partners is voicing its concerns following a national conference in Auckland on Tuesday.
Nga Kaikokiri Matauranga spokesperson Awanui Black says one in three Maori are leaving school with no qualification, and only half of Maori boys leave with a qualification.
Maori perform better in Maori-medium schools, such as kura kaupapa, he says.
Mr Black says it's about taking a whole Maori approach to learning, and including whanau and iwi in the process.
