Niho Taniwha | Turning evidence into action

Using the Niho Taniwha framework, this course equips leaders to support their kaiako to meet the Teaching Standards with integrity, honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and enhance outcomes for all ākonga through research, collaboration and reflection.

Based in kaupapa Māori framework and  Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Niho Taniwha | Turning evidence into positions professional growth as the foundation for a wider journey through the 2026 Standards for the Teaching Profession. Tumuaki and leaders are guided through a framework to guide their kaiako through a continuous cycle of reflection, targeted learning, and collegial engagement that ensures evidence-informed professional practice, meeting the 2026 requirements while strengthening outcomes for all learners.

The two-term course is built around implementing a process of improvement:

• Connect: deepening understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, cultural responsiveness, and curriculum expertise as outlined through the professional knowledge standards.

• Challenge: support tumuaki and leaders to refining evidence-based teaching, assessment for learning, and inclusive pedagogy, for their kaiako.

• Empower: develop systems to sustain and strengthening collaboration, feedback, and continuous improvement cycles in your kura.

This theory of improvement is a culturally grounded pathway that supports tumuaki and leaders to know better and do better for themselves, their ākonga , and their school communities.

Your learning path

Why choose Niho Taniwha | Turning evidence into action?

• Grounded in Niho Taniwha – developed with Dr Melanie Riwai-Couch, offering authentic, culturally responsive methodologies.

• Aligned to the 2026 Teaching Standards – supports compliance and professional growth across all domains.

• Leadership-focused – strengthens capacity to lead professional growth in your school or kura.

• Transformative – equips tumuaki and leaders to embed cultural integrity and drive meaningful improvement.

Who is this for?

This course is designed for Tumuaki and leaders across kura and schools who are committed to strengthening their practice of their kaiako through collaboration, feedback and active relfection. It is for those who:

• want to lead change in ways that honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi

• are ready to turn evidence into action that benefits ākonga, kaiako and school communities

• see themselves as learners first, ready to connect research to everyday teaching and leadership

Your investment

• The cost for this two-term workshop is $1,350 + GST per person.

A 15% discount applies for three or more educators from the same school or kura.

We require a minimum number of participants for each workshop to proceed. We’ll confirm viability with all registered participants ten business days beforehand.

All participants who engage fully and complete each phase will receive a Niho Taniwha | Turning evidence into action Certificate of Completion, providing formal evidence of professional learning and alignment with the 2026 Teaching Standards.

NOTE: Mana whenua are more than welcome to attend the workshops with you. Please contact us on info@evaluate.co.nz if you would like to invite hapū or iwi Māori to share in your school’s journey to improve teaching and learning for ākonga Māori.  We can arrange a place for free. 

Table of delivery dates and locations - four cohorts

Register below