Māori participation in early childhood education (ECE) still lags behind that of non-Māori (45 percent compared to 68 percent—Ministry of Education, 2004). The strategic plan for early childhood (Ministry of Education, 2002) contains “a focus on collaborative relationships for Māori”, which seeks to “create an environment where the wider needs of Māori children, their parents, and whānau (families) are recognised and acknowledged” (p. 16), and where whānau, hapū and iwi can work with ECE services.
Whakawhanaungatanga— partnerships in bicultural development in early childhood care and education. Authors: Jenny Ritchie and Cheryl Rau
