Part 2: Preparing Ka Hikitia

2.1
In this Part, we discuss how the Ministry prepared Ka Hikitia. We cover:

• the research and reasoning underpinning Ka Hikitia;
• consultation with, and backing from, Māori; and
• consultation with, and backing from, the education sector.

2.2
Ka Hikitia has the potential to transform the education system and realise the aim of "Māori students enjoying and achieving educational success as Māori".

2.3
Ka Hikitia is based on sound educational research and reasoning about securing better achievements for indigenous students. There was effective consultation with Māori over several years to reflect Māori interests. There was also consultation with the wider education sector. Ka Hikitia is widely valued throughout the education system and has backing from Māori.

Sound educational research and reasoning

2.4
Ka Hikitia drew on Māori research and community views and experiences. We noted in our context report that Ka Hikitia appears soundly based and respected. In preparing its strategy, the Ministry drew on internationally recognised research evidence to identify issues with Māori students' educational achievement and how to address those issues. This research included the Ministry's Iterative Best Evidence Synthesis research,¹⁴ PISA reports, and other information indicating poor educational outcomes for Māori students. Research by Māori was also important in shaping Ka Hikitia.

2.5
Ka Hikitia identified that, to improve Māori students' achievement, the education sector needed a widespread transformational shift in attitudes and practice. Now, many initiatives some using Ka Hikitia are increasing Māori participation, engagement, and achievement in education.

Effective consultation with, and backing from, Māori

2.6
A consultation process with Māori groups, Māori academics, and iwi over several years helped the Ministry to prepare Ka Hikitia. Support was particularly strong from iwi and whānau. This effective consultation built on strong previous engagement with Māori. Before 2008, the Ministry had been involved in a range of consultation with Māori, through the Hui Taumata Mātauranga series (2001-06).

2.7
Māori we interviewed told us that Ka Hikitia reflected their long-held aspirations for Māori education. Representatives of iwi organisations were well aware of Ka Hikitia. Evidence we gathered showed that iwi, as part of the consultation process, took the opportunity to initiate or strengthen their education plans and relationships and research and analysis, both with the Ministry and more widely with schools and education agencies.

Effective consultation with, and backing from, the education sector

2.8
The Ministry carried out an extensive consultation process in the Ministry and with other agencies, education groups, and community representatives (including young people) before finalising Ka Hikitia in 2008. An internal report of the consultation process stated that the process was positive and that support for the direction and content of Ka Hikitia was strong.

2.9
The report notes strong support for the prioritising of te reo Māori, and the importance of productive relationships for effective teaching and learning to benefit Māori. It also places importance on the role of whānau in education, resourcing Ka Hikitia, and ongoing research and development.

14: The Iterative Best Evidence Synthesis programme is the Ministry's research programme that presents evidence about what works to improve education outcomes. See the Ministry's Education Counts website, www.educationcounts.govt.nz.