Whāia te Ara Tika - know better, do better
He waka eke noa, eke panuku eke tangaroa, haumi e, hui e, taiki e
Embrace cultural capability and change
About Whāia te Ara Tika
Whāia te Ara Tika is a transformative professional learning programme designed in collaboration with Dr. Melanie Riwai-Couch, based on the kaupapa of Niho Taniwha. This journey is intended for schools and Kāhui Ako who have already embarked on their Niho Taniwha PLD and are eager to deepen their commitment to cultural integrity and transformation.
With Whāia te Ara Tika, we invite educators to continue building on their foundational knowledge, honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and foster meaningful change throughout their educational communities.
Flexible options to suit your needs
Whāia te Ara Tika offers two flexible cycles, allowing you to select the pathway that fits your school’s needs:
Two-term cycle
A focused programme designed to enhance your understanding of Aotearoa’s cultural context, enabling you to honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi, develop your own research, explore equitable outcomes in Aotearoa and be a leader of cultural change within your school.
Four-term cycle (one year)
This extended timeframe provides greater opportunities for deep learning and transformation.
Participants have the opportunity to choose the second kaupapa that best aligns with their school's priorities:
· Kaupapa 1: Honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi (compulsory)
· Kaupapa 2: Developing cultural competence & addressing racism in schools
· Kaupapa 3: Te Reo me ōna tikanga Māori & embracing diversity (kanorautanga)
· Kaupapa 4: Whanaungatanga and strengthening whānau-school partnerships
For the two-term cycle, participants learn about Te Tiriti o Waitangi as this sets the scene for the following kaupapa. For the four term one-year cycle, participants can engage with a second kaupapa to maximise impact.
Your learning path
Whāia te Ara Tika is designed to support continuous growth and reflection.

Why choose Whāia te Ara Tika?
This programme is an opportunity for educators who have already engaged with Niho Taniwha PLD to take the next step. It is tailored for those who are ready to continue growing in cultural capability and embed meaningful changes in their schools. Our partnership with Dr.Melanie Riwai-Couch ensures that Whāia te Ara Tika is grounded in authentic, culturally responsive methodologies that can lead to impactful change in Aotearoa’s education landscape.
Investment details
Two-term cycle: $5,990 + GST (for up to 20 teachers)
Additional teachers: $600 + GST per 10 additional teachers
Four-term cycle: $10,270 + GST (for up to 20 teachers)
Additional teachers: $850 + GST per 10 additional teachers
(Note: travel costs not included.)