Niho Taniwha online wānanga series

Join us for a powerful series of 90-minute online wānanga sessions that bring the spirit and depth of the Niho Taniwha conference directly to you - wherever you are. Each session includes 60 minutes of presentation followed by 30 minutes of open Q&A and discussion.

These sessions offer the chance to engage with kaupapa Māori thinking, deepen your cultural capability, and take meaningful action in your role - no matter your context or position.

Designed for kaiako, tumuaki, support staff, and Kāhui Ako, this series offers a space to connect, reflect, and take meaningful action to improve outcomes for ākonga Māori.

He tauranga uta, he toka tū moana – leading with clarity and courage

In times of challenge and change, leaders need clarity of purpose and a deep sense of direction. This session supports school leaders to reflect on their ‘true north’, and take deliberate action to create conditions where ākonga and kaimahi can thrive. Grounded in the Niho Taniwha framework and aligned with Tū Rangatira, the session weaves Te Tiriti o Waitangi into every layer of leadership practice.

Presenter: Sue Ngārimu | 7 July: 10:30am - 12:00pm

Aromatawai | Assessment – how is this working for ākonga Māori?

Explore how assessment systems support or limit success for Māori learners. In this practical session, you'll reflect on achievement data, teacher bias, and what great assessment practice looks like through a kaupapa Māori lens. Leave with tools to evaluate and take action in your setting.

Presenter: Doreen Bailey | 7 July: 1:00pm - 2:30pm

Mana Taurite | Mana Ako – Equity and Excellence

Designed for change-makers, this session supports educators to challenge inequities, surface bias, and strengthen improvement plans aligned with Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Get inspired and equipped to lead meaningful change.

Presenters: Laura Stutz and Renée Neville | 7 July: 3:00pm - 4:30pm

Tino Rangatiratanga – activating your leadership

This wānanga explores tino rangatiratanga as both principle and practice. Learn how to activate your leadership agency using mātauranga Māori as a superpower for change.

Presenters: Doreen Bailey, Renée Neville and Bobby Ketu | 9 July: 1:00pm - 2:30pm

Hawaiki Hou – using your proximity of influence to create change

What’s your purpose as an educator and leader? How might Te Tiriti and your proximity of influence guide your decisions and actions? This reflective session offers inspiration and practical tools to reconnect with your "why."

Presenter: Melisa Chase | 9 July: 3:00pm - 4:30pm

Ākonga voice – how to listen and respond

Explore how uplifting and embedding ākonga Māori voice transforms learning. This session offers practical strategies to ensure learner voice is not only heard but helps shape teaching and leadership decisions.

Presenter: Laura Stutz | 10 July: 1:00pm - 2:30pm

Niho Taniwha framework for planning – practical application

Learn how to apply the Niho Taniwha framework (Whai, Ako, Mau, Tipu) to support planning and practice in your school or kura. This hands-on session will help translate the theory into action for improved teaching and learning.

Presenters: Laura Stutz, Renée Neville & Doreen Bailey | 10 July: 3:00pm - 4:30pm

More wānanga coming soon

Additional sessions will be offered in term three — stay tuned for updates.

Free registration for Niho Taniwha conference attendees

If you attended the Niho Taniwha conference, you’ve been sent a code to register for these sessions at no cost. Check your inbox for the promo code and enter it when booking.