The Iwi Education Authority says a new curriculum for teaching Te Reo in Kura Kaupapa will mean a greater focus on heritage for young Maori.
Pem Bird. Photo: RNZ
The curriculum for teaching Te Reo in the Maori language immersion schools was announced on Monday by Toni Waho, the Tumuaki of Te Runanganui o Nga Kura Kaupapa Maori o Aotearoa.
The plan focuses on delivering more cultural and spiritual elements into childrens' learning and has been endorsed by the Government.
Maori Education Authority chairperson Pem Bird said in a recent meeting with Corrections and Police Minister Anne Tolley it became apparent how a stronger focus on Maori culture was needed.
Mr Bird said the minister spoke about the amount of Maori prison inmates encountering and learning about their culture for the first time through prison education, and that would change with the new curriculum.