In 2016, Māori students had the lowest proportion of students remaining at school to age 17 (70.9%). This compares with a retention rate of 82.9% for Pasifika and 85.4% for European/Pākehā. Asian students had the highest retention rate (94.9%).
Increasing health and well-being outcomes for Māori students assists settings to meet their obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and to meet Ministry of Education requirements for Māori students.
By improving the health of Māori children and young people, we also improve retention rates and academic outcomes.
Check out this video on how WAVE helped Rural Scholars Early Learning Centre foster Māori Health initatives into their curriculum.
The teaching team at Makikihi School realised there was a gap with regards to staff and students’ understanding and comfort around Māori language (Te Reo) and culture (Tikanga), so after discussion with their WAVE facilitator, they worked out a plan.
Case Study - Here is Makikihi School's case study on their visit to Waihao Marae, incorporating Te Reo signage throughout the school grounds and classrooms, increasing their use of Te Reo in every day language, and learning/playing Traditional Māori Games: On Top with Te Reo - Makikihi School
Makikihi students preparing to play some Traditional Māori Games
To find out more about Traditional Māori Games and how this can be incorporated into Professional Development for teachers and students, see the Traditional Māori Games section under the Health Priority Area Physical Activity. There is also a video case study.
Making a difference for Māori Health - Community & Public Health (Canterbury)