Whāia te iti kahurangi: A journey of pursuing aspirations for bilingual tamariki

Abstract

My husband and I are parents of four beautiful bilingual tamariki. When our children started primary school, we chose the local school, which is very good but, at the time, the provision of te reo Māori and tikanga Māori was lacking. I am also a kaiako and academic within the realms of te reo Māori and tikanga Māori, particularly in the contexts of whānau and education. Informed by my dual role as parent and educator, this reflection shares some of our experiences throughout our children’s primary school years. I also highlight the challenges we faced in the pursuit of our aspirations. Utilising the Tātaiako: Cultural Competencies for Teachers of Māori Learners framework, I discuss the progress and shifts in attitudes regarding bicultural and bilingual teaching and learning (Education Council Aotearoa New Zealand & Ministry of Education, 2011). I conclude by sharing my vision for my future mokopuna.