…the programme is a transformative praxis, with a balance of critical analysis, practical activities and some academic theory… In their delivery, the pair model Te Tiriti partnership, and nationhood building. Their unique combination of teacher-training competencies, kaupapa-driven pedagogy, creative role playing and various state changes utilising humour, waiata and fun, add to the success of the programme.
I write this reference from a personal perspective although I refer to my capacity as a Learning Adviser at the University of Auckland Libraries and Learning Services and my previous role as He Tuākana Coordinator at the University of Auckland Business School.
I became acquainted with Takawai Murphy in 1995 as a student of Te Pumaomao with the potential of leading decolonising education in the future. Takawai led the proactive training programme and it had a profound effect on my future in terms of nationhood building, Te Tiriti o Waitangi education, and progressing tino rangatiratanga. Twenty years later when I was He Tuākana Coordinator at the University of Auckland Business School, Takawai’s contact details came across my desk and we made contact again. This resulted in my being able to sit in on one of his latest Te Pumaomao programmes.
I was most impressed with the programme and how its essence has remained, yet it had also developed as transformative praxis, with a balance of critical analysis, practical activities and some academic theory. Most notable was the addition of Takawai’s wife Chris Murphy as a co-facilitator. In their delivery, the pair model Te Tiriti partnership, and nationhood building. Their unique combination of teacher-training competencies, kaupapa-driven pedagogy, creative role playing and various state changes utilising humour, waiata and fun, add to the success of the programme.
Te Pumaomao will act as a starting point to discuss how we might go about underpinning Te Tiriti o Waitangi throughout our work in Libraries and Learning Services. Having watched Te Pumaomao presented to two previous community groups with participants of various backgrounds taking an interest in learning about and making a difference to resolve some of the inequities Māori face in early childhood education and health, I feel confident that our organisation will achieve similar successes. Takawai and Chris, thank you for your dedication to nationhood-building in Aotearoa-New Zealand over the years. I acknowledge your courage to tackle the hard questions, issues and challenges our nation faces and hope that as many institutions, companies, and community-based groups as possible get the same opportunity to complete your Te Pumaomao programme.
Abigail McClutchie (Te Rarawa, Ngāti Porou)
Learning Adviser, Te Fale Pouāwhina – Student Learning Services
Library and Learning Services – The University of Auckland
Te Pumaomao Nation Building Seminars 