48473 (2024). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Children

48473 (2024). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Children: What specific input, if any, do mana whenua have into the design of the military-style academy pilot?

Hon Karen Chhour: I am advised by Oranga Tamariki that mana whenua have not had direct input into the design of the Military-style Academy Pilot. However positive engagement pre and post Pilot commencement has created a range of valuable opportunities for mana whenua guidance, kaitiakitanga and programme enhancement to be included as the academy kaupapa is strengthened. In addition to establishment of a Roopu Kaitiaki Partnership for implementation and future co-design, mana whenua support for the Pilot includes weekly cultural supervision and kaimahi support for academy staff, delivery of a weekly Mana Tane programme utilising purakau and kaupapa māori approaches and hosting of three marae wananga and noho marae.  Kaumatua/ kuia connection is also being provided through regular visits to kōrero with the young people, provide guidance in wairuatanga, manaakitanga and aroha, supporting them with their pēpeha, discussing marae history, tikanga and protocols.