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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
At Arakura School in Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt, lunchtime isn’t just about food – it’s about community, connection and learning. Instead of outsourcing school lunches, staff and tamariki grow, prepare and serve nutritious kai together. The entire school gathers each day to share a meal, turning lunchtime into a rich learning experience.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In 2022, Ngāti Rēhia began a partnership with local schools in Kerikeri to incorporate its pūrākau and mātauranga into Aotearoa New Zealand’s histories curriculum. Ako Zoomed in to Kerikeri to hear from Riverview Primary School teacher Samantha Roessler and Ngāti Rēhia Matua Taua Kemp about the significance of this collaboration for their students and community.
Did you know NZEI Te Riu Roa awards over $30,000 worth of scholarship funds each year to ECE teachers and support staff? Ako spoke to some of the 2024 recipients about how they used the funds and the impact it has had on their mahi.
ECE kaiako Jared Lambert received a scholarship from NZEI Te Riu Roa in 2024 and used the funds to help complete his Master of Psychology. He answered some questions about his experience of the scholarship.
Teaching assistant Victoria Goode facilitates a Nurture Group at Nelson Central School. She received a Support Staff scholarship from NZEI Te Riu Roa in 2024 and used the funds to train with Nurture International in the UK. She answered some questions about her experience of the scholarship.
Teacher aide Paul Hartland received a Support Staff scholarship from NZEI Te Riu Roa in 2024 and used the funds towards his study to become a qualified counsellor. He is now working as a counsellor at Pukekohe High School. He answered some questions about his experience of the scholarship.
Michelle Dons is kaiako matua at Matangi Āwhio kindergarten in Whakatū. She received an ECE scholarship from NZEI Te Riu Roa in 2024 to further her studies in how to promote and support emotional regulation in tamariki and kaiako in kindergarten. She writes about her experiences of the scholarship.