Building confidence in te reo Māori and tikanga Māori in adult and community education
The Te Reo Māori for the ACE Sector Workshops provide practical, accessible professional learning opportunities for people working in Adult and Community Education (ACE) across Aotearoa New Zealand.
These workshops aim to build confidence in using te reo Māori and tikanga Māori in everyday teaching and organisational practice, while strengthening understanding of te ao Māori and its relevance to adult learning.
Connected to the values and expectations of the ACE Teaching Standards, the workshops will encourage participants to develop their cultural capability and explore ways to create learning environments that recognise and value Māori language, culture and knowledge.
Workshop availability
The Te Reo Māori for the ACE Sector Workshops are planned for 2026.
ACE Aotearoa is currently gathering registrations of interest to help inform the development of these workshops.
The number of workshops, specific topics and dates have not yet been confirmed. Each workshop will be delivered online, run for one hour and be facilitated by Te Ataahia Hurihanganui.
We welcome registrations of interest from individuals and organisations across Aotearoa New Zealand.
About the workshops
Te reo Māori and tikanga Māori have an important place in adult and community education, supporting culturally responsive practice and strengthening relationships with learners, whānau and communities.
These interactive online workshops will provide opportunities to explore how te reo Māori, tikanga Māori and perspectives from te ao Māori can be incorporated meaningfully and respectfully into everyday ACE practice.
Each one-hour workshop will focus on an aspect of language, culture or practice relevant to the ACE sector. Through discussion, practical examples and opportunities for reflection, participants will build understanding and confidence in applying their learning.
The workshops will recognise that participants bring different levels of knowledge and experience, and will encourage learning in a supportive and respectful environment.
What you could explore
Future workshops may explore topics such as:
- Using te reo Māori in everyday practice: Building confidence with common words, phrases, greetings and expressions relevant to adult education.
- Understanding tikanga Māori: Exploring tikanga and its relevance to creating respectful and culturally responsive learning environments.
- Whanaungatanga and relationships: Strengthening connections with learners, whānau and communities through approaches grounded in te ao Māori.
- Manaakitanga and inclusive learning: Creating welcoming, supportive environments that recognise and respect the mana of learners.
- Rangatiratanga and learner-centred practice: Supporting learner agency, participation and opportunities for learners to shape their learning.
- Ako and reciprocal learning: Recognising the knowledge and experiences that educators and learners bring, and the importance of learning from one another.
These are examples of potential topics rather than a confirmed workshop programme. Additional areas may be explored based on interest and feedback from the ACE sector.
Who should attend?
These workshops are designed for people working or volunteering in Adult and Community Education, including:
- Educators, tutors and kaiako.
- Programme coordinators and managers.
- Administrative and learner support staff.
- Governance members.
- Volunteers involved in adult learning.
The workshops will be relevant to people with different levels of knowledge and experience who want to build their confidence and strengthen their understanding of te reo Māori, tikanga Māori and te ao Māori in ACE settings.
Workshop details
Duration: One hour per workshop
Delivery: Online
Cost: Fully funded. No registration fee
Workshop topics: To be confirmed
Dates: Planned for 2026 - dates to be confirmed.
Further information about individual workshops will be provided as the programme is developed.
Your facilitator
Te Ataahia Hurihanganui
Rangitāne, Ngāti Kahungunu-ki-Wairarapa, Ngāti Ira, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Tahu-Ngāti Whāoa, Tūhourangi-Ngāti Wāhiao, Ngāti Whakaue-Ngāti Te Roro o te Rangi.
Te Ataahia is an experienced educator with more than 15 years' experience specialising in te reo Māori, te ao Māori and tikanga Māori, including over 12 years teaching in the ACE sector.
Based in Whakaoriori/Masterton, she operates Reo Rua Ltd, a Māori language, education and training provider.
Her facilitation focuses on culturally responsive teaching, making learning accessible and supporting participants to develop their confidence and understanding. She brings extensive experience in sharing Māori language and knowledge and supporting people to connect their learning with everyday practice.
Help shape future workshops
We want future Te Reo Māori for the ACE Sector Workshops to reflect the needs, interests and experiences of people working across the ACE sector.
Are there aspects of te reo Māori, tikanga Māori or te ao Māori that you would like to explore in your teaching or organisational practice?
We welcome suggestions from individuals, organisations and regional networks. Your feedback will help ACE Aotearoa identify priorities and develop professional learning opportunities that are relevant and useful to the sector.
Contact ACE Aotearoa to share your ideas: admin@aceaotearoa.org.nz
Register your interest
Interested in attending these workshops or exploring other ACE Aotearoa professional development opportunities?
Complete our short registration-of-interest form to select this workshop and any other workshops that interest you.
You can register as an individual or indicate interest in professional development for a group of 10 or more participants.
We will use this information to help plan future workshops and contact you when relevant opportunities become available.
Registering your interest is free and does not guarantee a place or commit you to attending a workshop.