Kia toka tū moana: being the steady rock in school leadership

In turbulent times, the role of school leaders is not to chase every wave that crashes across education, but to stand steady - like the rock in the ocean. Kia toka tū moana reminds us that true leadership is defined by consistency, courage, and an unwavering commitment to equity for all learners, particularly ākonga Māori.

Whai - What leaders must pursue

Leadership is about holding a position; it is about pursuing equity. For ākonga Māori, this means leaders asking the hard questions:

• Where do inequities show up in our kura?

• Whose voices are missing from our decision-making tables?

• What actions will shift the experience and outcomes of Māori learners?

Equity is not something to admire from afar. It must be prioritised, pursued and held with intent.

Ako - What leaders must learn

“Ko wai au? Ko wai mātou? Ko wai tātou?” prompts leaders to reflect on identity and responsibility. To lead for equity, leaders must continually learn - about themselves, about their teams, and about their communities.

Learning means recognising where deficit thinking hides in our practices. It means listening deeply to whānau and ākonga and allowing their aspirations to shape the way we lead. 

The greatest mistake is to assume we already know enough. True ako means being humble enough to be changed by what we learn.

Mau - What leaders must hold fast to

Rocks do not drift. To be steady leaders, we must hold fast to the principles that matter most:

• Courage - the willingness to engage in uncomfortable conversations and confront inequities directly.

• Commitment - the refusal to lower expectations, even when challenged.

• Voice - the discipline to act on what whānau and ākonga tell us, not simply acknowledge it.

If we let go of these, we cease to be steady. Mau reminds us that leadership is anchored in values, not convenience.

Tipu - How leaders must grow

Leadership for equity is never finished. To grow (tipu), leaders must:

• Move from intention to deliberate, sustained action.

• Build courage across the whole staff so the responsibility is collective.

• Embed reflection on as an ongoing habit - ensuring our values align with our practices.

Growth means becoming more resilient, more responsive, and more committed with each challenge faced. It is the daily work of becoming the steady rock.

Final word

The waves of change in education will never stop. But when leaders embody whai, ako, mau, tipu through the lens of kia toka tū moana, they anchor their schools in equity and courage.

The provocation is simple: will you be the rock that your ākonga, your staff, and your community can depend on?

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Contact Doreen Bailey