Kiwa Digital App

Tokona te Wānaka (Mātauranga) in partnership with Kiwa Digital have created a unique range of apps that share our very own Ngāi Tahu stories.

As you swipe through each of the individually drawn pages you’ll notice a range of features. Stories can be read in either English or Māori, with digital sound effects an added option.

There is also the ability to voice record over the story so you can even read these stories to your tamariki when you’re away!

These apps have been purpose-built with education in mind and can be a great tool in any learning environment. These apps are available on the App store on your Apple device, just search Kiwa Digital or Ngāi Tahu to find them.

Kiwa digital preview

Introducing Te Rau Winterburn

Years teaching: 15 years, started off voluntary
Teaching at: Shirley Boys’ High School

How long have you been teaching and in what capacity?
My journey began when I was still at school when my year seven Māori teacher encouraged me to think of teaching as a career option.She made me feel proud to be Māori and that my reo would be a real asset for my future. I started teaching voluntarily at local schools and at the marae in 2001 before officially starting my teacher training shortly after.

What does being Ngāi Tahu mean to you as a teacher?
I spent my younger years up north and it wasn’t until I moved down south in 2003 to support my mother who was ill at the time that I focused my energy on discovering my Ngāi Tahutanga. I made it my mission to find my Ngāi Tahu connections and foster relationships with my hapū while I was down here. I am now extremely proud to be Ngāi Tahu even though I grew up learning my reo and tikanga from my father’s people, Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga. Now when I stand to mihi and deliver my pepeha, my link to Ngāi Tahu is prominent.

What motivates you as a teacher?
Seeing other people succeed, especially our rangatahi, and instilling the passion I have for our reo and culture in them while highlighting the benefits and opportunities that come from learning our reo; these are the fundamental reasons why I love being a teacher. Also having the ability to build and foster relationships – whakawhanaungatanga – is a part of my job I thoroughly enjoy.

What changes would you like to see in the future in regards to education?
To see te reo grow and be fully-integrated into the entire schooling system. To normalise te reo and to have it not only in the Māori classroom, but to see our reo and tikanga naturally being used in other classes, departments and everyday school life. Te Reo Māori is a taonga and deserves to be recognised, cherished and promoted within all of our schools throughout Aotearoa me Te Waipounamu.

Describe your style as a teacher and how this allows you to get the best out of your students?
My goal is to make lasting connections with my students and to really get to know them as the unique individuals they are. Having genuine relationships built on mutual respect is imperative. Students, and in particular our Māori kids, can tell when a relationship isn’t genuine. I have very high standards for all of my kids and I always strive to balance my teaching with a firm but fun approach. I assure them that if they work hard and remain committed they will achieve, and I am here to tautoko them through all the trials and tribulations. I often say to my students, ‘I’ve got your back, no matter what. You can do this; I won’t let you fall.” This tautoko is not limited to my classes alone, but across the curriculum, in and out of school and whenever they may need it.

One thing that would make your job easier?
Having a Māori medium relief team. Then, if I am away from school for any reason, I know I’m leaving my students in competent and knowledgeable hands. It’s also a huge benefit for students to be exposed to other high quality Māori teachers; their unique skills, their reo and pool of knowledge. I would also like to see more support in our classrooms (ICT, Kaiāwhina, Kaiārahi) that would further assist students’ acquisition of Te Reo Māori. Technology is also the key. It offers endless learning opportunities for our tamariki.

Introducing Te Rau Winterburn  Years teaching: 15 years, started off voluntary  Teaching at: Shirley Boys’ High School How long have you been teaching and in what capacity? My journey began when I was still at school when my year seven Māori teacher encouraged me to think of teaching as a career option.She made me feel proud to be Māori and that my reo would be a real asset for my future. I started teaching voluntarily at local schools and at the marae in 2001 before officially starting my teacher training shortly after. What does being Ngāi Tahu mean to you as a teacher? I spent my younger years up north and it wasn’t until I moved down south in 2003 to support my mother who was ill at the time that I focused my energy on discovering my Ngāi Tahutanga. I made it my mission to find my Ngāi Tahu connections and foster relationships with my hapū while I was down here. I am now extremely proud to be Ngāi Tahu even though I grew up learning my reo and tikanga from my father’s people, Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga. Now when I stand to mihi and deliver my pepeha, my link to Ngāi Tahu is prominent. What motivates you as a teacher? Seeing other people succeed, especially our rangatahi, and instilling the passion I have for our reo and culture in them while highlighting the benefits and opportunities that come from learning our reo; these are the fundamental reasons why I love being a teacher. Also having the ability to build and foster relationships – whakawhanaungatanga - is a part of my job I thoroughly enjoy.  What changes would you like to see in the future in regards to education? To see te reo grow and be fully-integrated into the entire schooling system. To normalise te reo and to have it not only in the Māori classroom, but to see our reo and tikanga naturally being used in other classes, departments and everyday school life. Te Reo Māori is a taonga and deserves to be recognised, cherished and promoted within all of our schools throughout Aotearoa me Te Waipounamu. Describe your style as a teacher and how this allows you to get the best out of your students? My goal is to make lasting connections with my students and to really get to know them as the unique individuals they are. Having genuine relationships built on mutual respect is imperative. Students, and in particular our Māori kids, can tell when a relationship isn’t genuine. I have very high standards for all of my kids and I always strive to balance my teaching with a firm but fun approach. I assure them that if they work hard and remain committed they will achieve, and I am here to tautoko them through all the trials and tribulations. I often say to my students, ‘I’ve got your back, no matter what. You can do this; I won’t let you fall.” This tautoko is not limited to my classes alone, but across the curriculum, in and out of school and whenever they may need it.  One thing that would make your job easier? Having a Māori medium relief team. Then, if I am away from school for any reason, I know I’m leaving my students in competent and knowledgeable hands. It’s also a huge benefit for students to be exposed to other high quality Māori teachers; their unique skills, their reo and pool of knowledge. I would also like to see more support in our classrooms (ICT, Kaiāwhina, Kaiārahi) that would further assist students’ acquisition of Te Reo Māori. Technology is also the key. It offers endless learning opportunities for our tamariki.

Tahua Taunaki Akonga – Learner Support Fund

Term 4 applications are still being accepted.
Funding is available through Tahua Taunaki Akonga to enable you to access personalised tuition to support your tamariki and further their progress at school as follows:

  • Funding is available to registered Ngāi Tahu students aged between 5 and 18 years of age
  • One term of funding is available per financial year (up to a maximum of $450+GST)

Provision is also available (on a case by case basis) for tamariki who require special learning assessments.
For further information or an application form please contact us [email protected] or
0800 942 472.