Executive summary

Autism from a Māori world view has not been explored in the history of education. The need to upskill education practitioners has become a priority. Prior to the implementation of a Takiwātanga Marae based Wānanga, no Kaupapa Māori autism professional development programme had existed. The wānanga focused on immersing participants in an authentic Te Ao Māori learning experience.  The partnership agreement between the Ministry of Education and Taonga Takiwātanga Charitable Trust intended to test the effectiveness of a ‘by Māori learning experience’ by implementing Marae based Takiwātanga wānanga in five regions throughout the North Island. The data captured was overwhelmingly positive with the majority of participants giving high rated feedback (see appendix 1A).  The Wānanga Feedback evaluation question, ‘the wānanga content was relevant to my role’ received an average rating of 96% from participants (see appendix 1A). In the follow up survey 70% of education professionals indicated ‘they would highly recommend the wānanga to colleagues and whānau.’ (see appendix 3C).

The rationale for delivery on a Marae served many purposes. For Māori, the experience was familiar and offered a sense of belonging. For non-Māori, an opportunity to be immersed into an authentic Te Ao Māori experience. Above all the environment was accessible and inclusive of all, regardless of ethnicity and religious beliefs.

The people resource was a major contributing factor which led to the success of the wānanga. All involved were allocated tasks and completed each task diligently. The planning team was made up of cultural advisors, connectors, iwi, hau kaīnga, the facilitator, administrator, caterers, whānau, community agencies and the trustees.  Instructions by the administrator to all involved was clear, as was the communication.

A review of the registrations showed the benefit of a new initiative appeared appealing to education professionals specifically wanting to upskill in Takiwātanga, Māori world view of autism spectrum (see ‘reasons for attending - p.14’). The wānanga was very well received by professionals, whānau and community agencies. The key to a successful outcome was working in partnership first and foremost with the Ministry of Education, whānau, iwi, hau kaīnga and community agencies. Teamwork prevailed through the entire process where a key contributor for a successful product was the absence of a hierarchy model of working. Rather, all involved encouraged and supported each other, and were asked to make contributions which would see a positive outcome for the delivery of the wānanga.

Many key milestones were celebrated from inception to completion of the wānanga. In addition, there were many firsts that made the delivery of the wānanga especially significant. Stepping into the unknown was daunting, however, the experiences were many, but through the support and guidance of the Ministry, the facilitator and administrator acquired a new set of skills required to continue to deliver takiwātanga wānanga.