Kōrero Whakamāhuki | Frequently Asked Questions

🧭 About the Resources

Who are these resources for?

• These resources are designed for kaiako and ākonga of te reo Māori who already have a strong foundation in both the language and the pedagogy of teaching it.

• They are created to lighten the load of kaiako by providing high-quality, engaging, and curriculum-aligned learning materials.
  Kaiako are encouraged to unpack and wānanga components of the lessons using their own knowledge, local narratives, and perspectives to provide additional context.

⚠️ These resources are not intended for teachers who ar enot competent in te reo Māori. Prior knowledge of the language and teaching practice is essential so enhance the content and support ākonga effectively.

Why were these resources created?

• These resources were developed after seeing the real and ongoing need for more detailed, comprehensive, and culturally authentic materials to support te reo Māori teaching — particularly in mainstream schools.

• As former secondary kaiako, we understand the challenges of being sole-charge teachers or carrying multiple responsibilities within kura.
  These resources help reduce that workload by providing ready-made, high-quality units that uphold the mana, integrity, and authenticity of te reo Māori.

• They blend traditional and contemporary practices, including digital tools, games, and online activities, to engage learners in ways that reflect the digital age — while maintaining deep cultural relevance.

What makes these resources different from others?

Our resources are created by kaiako, for kaiako, with a deep understanding of classroom realities.
They:

• Align with NZQA and NZ Curriculum frameworks

• Include digital, interactive, and print-based materials

• Are culturally grounded, maintaining mātauranga Māori authenticity

• Support scaffolded progression from beginner to advanced levels

• Include sample assessments, teaching guides, and learning tasks for each unit

• The balance of pedagogy, authenticity, and practicality makes them unique.

📚 Curriculum and Standards

Do these align with NZQA standards?

Yes.

• Level 1 units align with the new NZQA standards that became compulsory in 2024.

• Level 2 and Level 3 units align with the current NCEA standards (2011 versions).

• The senior programmes have been restructured to flow seamlessly from Level 1 through to Level 3, supporting consistency in learning and achievement.

• All assessments and exemplars are written in accordance with NZQA specifications, and we recommend moderation — internal or external — to ensure alignment and quality.

Do these resources meet NZ Curriculum requirements?

• Absolutely. Each unit has been designed with the Te Aho Arataki Marau mō te Ako i Te Reo Māori – Kura Auraki guidelines in mind.

• The lessons integrate key curriculum values, principles, and learning areas, ensuring that students not only gain language proficiency but also deepen their understanding of tikanga, mātauranga Māori, and cultural context.

Can these resources be adapted for local curriculum or iwi context?

• Yes — and we encourage it.

• The resources are intentionally designed to be flexible and adaptable. Kaiako can integrate local iwi narratives, histories, and kupu whakarite to ensure learning reflects their regional and community identity.

Teaching and Learning Approach

What is the teaching pedagogy behind these resources?

• Our approach is grounded in communicative, task-based, and kaupapa Māori pedagogies.

• Each unit integrates the six language modes — reading, writing, speaking, listening, watching, and presenting — to nurture well-rounded and confident speakers.

• The balance of receptive (whakarongo, pānui, mātakitaki) and productive (kōrero, tuhituhi, whakaatu) skills supports learners to move naturally between understanding and expression.

Are these suitable for students with different reo Māori levels?

• Yes. Each unit includes pre-assessments to gauge prior knowledge and revision components to bridge gaps.

• Students with limited reo Māori can still engage successfully as learning is scaffolded, and kaiako are provided with strategies and supports for differentiation.

How are students assessed?

• Assessments are task-based and contextualised.

• Junior units include pre-tests, formative activities, and end-of-unit assessments.

• Senior units include sample NZQA-style assessments aligned with NCEA specifications.
  There is an emphasis on progressive skill development and reflection, helping both kaiako and ākonga track growth over time.

Do the resources include digital components?

Yes.

• Many activities integrate interactive digital tools, such as online quizzes, games, videos, and collaborative platforms.

• These enhance engagement and support the development of digital literacy alongside reo Māori fluency.

• However, because external apps may change over time, we update our materials regularly to ensure functionality.

Licensing and Access

How long can we use the resources for?

• Once purchased, the resources belong to your school indefinitely.

• There is no expiry period.

• However, because some digital activities rely on external apps or online tools, their long-term availability cannot always be guaranteed. Updated editions (e.g., 2025–2026) ensure that schools continue to have current and relevant resources.

How many teachers can use the resources?

• Any number of teachers within the same school may use the resources for any number of students.

• Access is granted to the purchasing school, and we rely on schools’ integrity to uphold this license.

• If resources are shared externally, an invoice will be issued to cover those copies.

What happens if I move to another school?

• Licensing remains with the original purchasing school.

• If you move schools and wish to take the resources with you, we can offer a discounted rate for your new kura to purchase their own licensed copy.

How are the resources delivered?

• Once your order is confirmed, the resources are shared via Google Drive.

• For Microsoft schools, we can also provide access via OneDrive — just let us know your preference.

• Google is the preferred method as it preserves all formatting within slides, worksheets, and interactive activities.

Support and Updates

Do you provide training or induction for new users?

Yes — we can provide facilitated walkthroughs or online induction sessions to help kaiako navigate the resources, understand assessment expectations, and integrate the materials effectively into their programmes.

Are updates included?

• Minor updates (such as formatting, app changes, or small content corrections) are included and shared periodically.

• Major version updates (e.g., to reflect new NZQA standards or curriculum reforms) may be available at a discounted upgrade rate for existing schools.

How can we contact you for support or enquiries?

You can contact us via:
📧 info@poutawa.co.nz
🌐 www.poutawa.co.nz