Feature 15 Jul 2025
Shaping futures – the power of qualified kaiako
Qualified early childhood teachers bring deep knowledge, intentional teaching and powerful relationships that shape children’s futures. Ako hears from kaiako across Aotearoa about the life-changing difference their study has made, and why tamariki deserve nothing less than skilled, thoughtful educators from the very start.
Feature 13 Jun 2025
How do you celebrate Matariki at your kura?
From making lanterns and sharing kai to discos, art auctions and kapa haka, there are many different ways to celebrate Matariki and Puanga. Ako asked five kura from around Aotearoa how they mark this special time of year.
The system wasn’t built for this, but teachers still show up
While headlines continue to debate the state of education, and political conversations turn increasingly towards blame and constraint, the reality is that our teachers are holding together a system under pressure with the strength of their care, professionalism and deep commitment to every child who walks through the door.
Education superhero: Clare O’Hagan-Harris
In this series, we celebrate the extraordinary mahi of educators across Aotearoa, whose passion, purpose and superpowers shape the future every day. This month Pukerua Bay primary teacher Clare O’Hagan-Harris answers 12 questions about her unique powers.
Indira Neville’s year back in the classroom
After a decade away from the whiteboard, educator and comic artist Indira Neville has returned to teaching – and she’s drawing about it. In this comic series, Indira shares a glimpse into her days at school, capturing what’s changed, what’s stayed the same and what she never saw coming.
The joys and challenges of teaching on Wharekauri Chatham Island
Working at a school on the Chatham Islands demands resilience, innovation and a deep sense of connection. Kirsten McDougall spoke with staff at Te One School to find out what it means to educate in one of the most remote communities in Aotearoa.
Education superhero: Sally Griffin
In this series, we celebrate the extraordinary mahi of educators across Aotearoa, whose passion and purpose shape the future every day. This month kindergarten head teacher Sally Griffin answers 12 questions about her unique powers.
Why Budget 2025 is anything but a vision
It’s often said that a nation’s budget reflects its values. If that’s true, then Budget 2025 tells us undeniably that children, especially our youngest tamariki, are not a priority.
Can’t stop the fight: Linda Jordan on 25 years as a teacher aide
After 25 years as a teacher aide, Linda Jordan has just reluctantly retired from her much-loved job. She’s a dedicated member of NZEI Te Riu Roa and travelled the country interviewing teacher aides to build a picture of the role for the pivotal pay equity claim. Anna Bracewell-Worrall finds out what she misses and how she feels about the Government’s abrupt changes to the equal pay act.
Teacher aides are ‘the glue that keeps a classroom humming’
Often supporting students one on one in the classroom, teacher aides are vital to ensuring tamariki get the extra support they need at school, but their funding is precarious at best. Ngāmotu-based writer Emma Hislop (Kāi Tahu) visited Avon School in Taranaki to hear from staff, parents and akōnga about the amazing mahi of teacher aides.
One teacher’s mission to revitalise PE
A teacher who supercharged the PE programme at her school has been rewarded with some welcome knock-on effects. NZEI Te Riu Roa member Arti Raju tells Ako how she turned things around for Rhode Street School.
Day in the life series: Jaydn Robson
From managing sports trials and uniforms to liaising with coaches, students and parents, Jaydn shares his busy day as Assistant Director of Sport at Newlands College. Warning: you may get tired just reading this.
Aotearoa New Zealand’s histories – a healing curriculum
Two years since it was made compulsory in schools, Heeni Collins (Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Haumia) finds out about the positive impacts of Aotearoa New Zealand’s histories curriculum on teachers and students, and the barriers they still face to implementing it.