Valuing language, culture and identity

Organisation: Te Rito Maioha Early Childhood New Zealand (ECNZ)

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Arapera is of Māori descent, (the Indigenous Peoples of Aotearoa, New Zealand). She comes from a line of chiefly warriors belonging to the Ngāpuhi and Tūhoe tribes in the North Island shores of Aotearoa. Arapera is the Pouhere Kaupapa Māori|Senior Advisor Māori for Te Rito Maioha Early Childhood New Zealand (ECNZ). Her role requires her to lead and support the implementation of authentic Māori experiences into all programmes delivered by ECNZ. Language, culture and identity are key aspects of cultural wellbeing and Arapera states that from a Māori perspective culture and language shape one’s identity and personality. Arapera has been a manager of a total immersion te reo Māori centre, lecturer, cultural advisor, curriculum advisor and subject group leader at Te Rito Maioha and is passionate about ensuring all children’s, students, teachers and whānau|family voices are heard.

Dr Rosina Merry is the Director Teaching, Learning and Research | Kaitohu Akoranga me Rangahau Adjunct Professor UNITAR Int University