Mā Wai? | Who is Te Whāriki for?
Te Whāriki is designed for current and aspiring governors, trustees, senior leaders and others who work alongside boards and governance groups.
You do not need to be Māori or have previous experience working with Māori to participate. We welcome people from all cultural backgrounds and at all stages of their learning journey.
For some, Te Whāriki may be their first introduction to te ao Māori. Others may already have considerable knowledge and experience. All are welcome.
We recognise that learning about another cultural worldview can sometimes feel unfamiliar, particularly when people are unsure of the right terminology or questions to ask. Te Whāriki creates a mana-enhancing environment where participants are encouraged to be curious, ask questions and build confidence without an expectation that they already have the answers.
Te Huarahi Ako | How we learn
Te Whāriki is not designed as a day of lectures. It is grounded in wānanga and ako – learning through kōrero, shared experiences, questions and reflection.
The day combines facilitated discussion, governance scenarios, practical activities and opportunities to consider how the kaupapa connects to participants’ own organisations and boardrooms. We explain concepts in an accessible and practical way, particularly for those who may be encountering te ao Māori for the first time.
Duration: One day
Time: 9.00 am – 4.00 pm
Delivery: In person
Format: Wānanga, facilitated learning, practical activities and discussion
Ngā Kaiwhakatere | Our Facilitators
Te Whāriki is delivered by Māori governance practitioners with first-hand experience working across Māori and corporate governance environments.
Our facilitators bring experience from around the board table as governors themselves, alongside their work advising and supporting large corporate boards, Iwi Boards and multi-national entities.
They understand how to navigate both kaupapa Māori and corporate environments and, importantly, how to make the connections between them. This enables participants to explore te ao Māori in a way that is culturally grounded while remaining practical and relevant to contemporary governance.
He Whāriki Mōu | Tailored for your organisation
Te Whāriki can also be delivered specifically for your board, leadership team or organisation.
Before the programme, we will kōrero with you about your organisation, your people and what you would most like to achieve from the day. We can then tailor the emphasis and discussions to reflect your context and the existing knowledge of your team.
For organisations beginning their journey, we can start with the foundations and create space to build understanding and confidence. For those further along, we can explore particular areas in greater depth.
This might include Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Māori governance, tikanga and values, relationships and engagement with Māori, Te Ōhanga Māori, governance fundamentals, board culture or a particular challenge or opportunity facing your organisation.
Wherever your people are starting from, Te Whāriki meets them there and supports them to take the next step.
Testimonial
This programme has provided us both with an exceptional foundation and we have felt encouraged to continue to build on and extend this knowledge. It has challenged us to consider ways we can apply this in our respective places of work and enhanced our understanding of Te Ao Māori.
We would absolutely endorse Te Whāriki to anyone who is seeking to build Whanaungatanga and Kotahitanga through awareness, knowledge and practical insights.
Whaowhia te Kete mātauranga.
– Jason and Amanda Dale
