19 Aug 2014

Authority backs kura kaupapa plan

8:10 pm on 19 August 2014

The Iwi Education Authority is backing a new kura kaupapa plan.

A new curriculum for teaching Te Reo in kura kaupapa or Maori language immersion schools has been endorsed by the Government.

The tumuaki of Te Runanganui o Nga Kura Kaupapa Maori o Aotearoa, Toni Waho, said the curriculum was being trialled at various kura kaupapa.

The Iwi Education Authority says it has been planning a similar concept to kura kaupapa.

Its chair Pem Bird said its concept could work in parallel.

He said the curriculum was based on literacy and numeracy and kura kaupapa was including a focus on Maori culture in the mix, which was long overdue.

The primary teachers union - the New Zealand Educational Institute - says Maori will benefit from the new kura kaupapa plan.