Incorporation of
Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Aerial view of a building with red metal roof and courtyard, surrounding landscaped area with trees, a path, and a shaded seating area.

INCORPORATION OF TE TIRITI O WAITANGI POLICY – C5

Aim: To ensure ngā tamariki and adults at Montessori experience the dual heritage of Aotearoa / New Zealand and respectfully learn about its indigenous people through encountering Te Reo and Tikanga Māori. Our centre works to ensure that its processes, policies and practices are consistent with our Montessori philosophy, and reflect the unique place of Māori as tangata whenua and the principles of partnership, protection and participation inherent in Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

  1. Tikanga and Te Reo Māori will be a feature of our centre through:

    • Waiata and movement

    • Books, puzzles, resources available

    • Natural resources

    • Karakia/waiata at morning tea and lunch times

    • Culturally acceptable practices/Tikanga Māori

    • Use of Te Reo Māori in a daily, natural, meaningful way both verbally and written 

    • Nga kupu (words), phrases and mihi are displayed and used throughout the centre by adults and ngā tamariki

    • Participating in Māori celebrations

    • Every new tamaiti to be welcomed with a whakatauki in their first learning story and sung a welcome waiata at mat time

    • Tamariki to wear centre korowai for their fifth birthday celebration 

  2. Whānau aspirations are sought for their tamariki in kaiako/whānau meetings

  3. Staff attend Te Tiriti o Waitangi courses as available

  4. Hui are held regularly to gain information and give support to whānau.

  5. All staff to greet in Te Reo Māori in person and on telephone

  6. Staff meetings to start with whakatauki, waiata and te reo phrase to learn


Relevant documents:

NELP Objective 3 – Action 5 - Meaningfully incorporate te reo Māori and tikanga Māori into the everyday life of the place of learning

Policy reviewed March 2025