Council recognised for Te Ao Māori learning effort

Kāpiti Coast District Council is proud to have been acknowledged for its efforts to build staff capacity and capability in Te Ao Māori, including tikanga Māori and te reo Māori.

Chief executive Darren Edwards says Council is committed to fostering a more mutually mana enhancing partnership with mana whenua and Kāpiti Māori.

“To do this many of our staff have been growing their skills and knowledge through the Te Ao Māori for Professionals online course, provided by Education Perfect,” Mr Edwards says.

“This has been a huge success and the awesome mahi of many of our people was recognised when Council received the 2023 Engagement Award at the recent E Tipu Ngātahi Ana – Growing Together event hosted by Education Perfect.

“This is a wonderful achievement for our staff of dedicated community servants who have put in a lot of work. I’m really proud and know this will make a difference in how we engage with many of our community, and not just Māori.”

Mr Edwards says many Aotearoa New Zealand businesses and organisations are on this journey and the council is pleased to be playing its part in the continuing revitalisation of te reo Māori.

“As well as improving te reo skills our people are strengthening their understanding of core Māori principles like Manaakitanga (the process of showing respect, generosity, and care for others) and Kotahitanga (strength through unity),” says Mr Edwards.

“As we continue to navigate the choppy waters of the still COVID-impacted world, prioritising generosity and togetherness is a good way to go.”