Create a committee that solely focus on the support of biculturalism

(Reminder the committee members need to have a strong vision. Parents to only help with steps to achieve that vision)

Each school should have a Māori education strategy that incorporates Māori values and aspirations

Schools can encourage the involvement of their Māori communities by:

Having a strong leadership team

This is likely to involve strong commitment from the principal and board of trustees to involve whānau representatives and key Māori community members using kanohi ki te kanohi (face-to-face communication) principles.

Having a vision for Māori education

Schools should have a powerful vision for Māori education (as opposed to a piecemeal reactive approach) that incorporates Māori values and aspirations through all its communications.

Developing relationships with key Māori in the community

Build relationships with local iwi or hapu or (where this is not possible) with key kaumātua in whom Māori parents have confidence.

Being open to parents' ideas

Understand and respond to the educational needs of Māori communities by taking into account the views of Māori parents. These have led to schools establishing homework centres, bilingual units and immersion education, and including in their strategic plans specific goals related to issues for Māori learners.

Please do not let Parents make full decisions on the welfare of your school your school should already have a vision and the parents think of ways to achieve that vision.

Being prepared to make changes

Schools should be prepared to change and should also have long-term strategies for change. Incremental change works best, usually over a number of years of committed work.

Setting goals

Ensure that challenging but achievable goals are set for staff and the community.

Effective consultation with Māori

Understanding how best to consult with Māori (see ideas listed below).

Opening the school to the community

Make school facilities (for example, halls and sports grounds) available for the community to use.

Creating relationships and networks with Māori organisations

Develop networks with organisations that serve Māori, such as marae committees, iwi social service providers, Maatua Whangai, kaumātua, iwi health providers, sports clubs and kapa haka groups.

Working with other schools

Work collaboratively with other schools to improve Māori education and the availability of Te Reo Māori.