Over the last 18 months, Carel has worked alongside us to plan and implement our journey to embed culturally responsive practice in our school. She has approached this work with careful consideration and used a strength-based approach to empower our teachers/kaiako to understand the unique differences required to uplift the mana of our rangatahi Māori.

Our work has been focused on firstly strengthening our understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and how we can honour the three principles (Partnership, Participation & Protection) of the treaty in a modern educational context.
Secondly, Carel worked with our teachers/kaiako to unpack Tātaiako and the five cultural competencies (Tangata Whenuatanga, Whanaungatanga, Manaakitanga, Wānanga & Ako). Her expertise in facilitating these workshops is drawn from her unique ability to navigate Te Ao Māori and Pākeha world views and seamlessly weave them together.

Carel embodies these competencies herself with integrity, sincerity and respect. We feel that this kaupapa is shared, and that there is genuine tautoko so that our teachers/kaiako feel challenged and supported.

Jonathan Wyeth & Drew McWhinnie
Deputy Principals
Green Bay High School