A study into how to lift Maori student achievement in Rotorua is urging educators to value their students' culture and language.
Angus Hikairo Macfarlane. Photo: Canterbury University
The two-year research, compiled by four Te Arawa descendants who specialise in education and health, provides findings from information gathered from tamariki in Rotorua high schools.
Angus Hikairo Macfarlane, of Canterbury University, led the study and says it highlights the need for teachers to familiarise themselves with Maori values.
Young Maori involved in the survey say they're proud to be Maori and it will boost their self-esteem if more are valued, he says.
Copies of the study will be given to nine local schools and are also available to kura through research institute Nga Pae o Te Maramatanga, which commissioned the study.
