The Nga Whare Waatea Marae in Mangere.
Although I was there this week for the opening of a new partnership school, it was also a trip down memory lane.
The new partnership school opened at Nga Whare Waatea Marae in Mangere.
I know this marae well. An urban Maori marae that caters for those who live and work in that area.
You don't have to be tribally affiliated to the land. In fact, the majority of people associated with Waatea marae are iwi from other parts of the country.
Waatea offers them a home away from home.
I wasn't surprised this marae saw benefits in accepting the challenge of establishing a partnership school. They have been down this road before when they established an early childhood centre on the marae.
Waatea also offer a range of social services that support families to take control of their lives. They have their own successful radio station that keeps families across the whole of Auckland abreast of what's happening locally and nationally.
They were one of the first to offer restorative justice services and they have had a successful funeral service operating from the marae over many years too. They know the community they're a big part of.
I'm pleased I accepted the invitation to attend the school opening because although I have read about partnership schools I felt I didn't know enough about their intent.
Still in their infancy, the schools don't get very positive coverage. So it was good to hear from the Minister of Education what they aim to achieve.
The event was not short on dignitaries with a good showing of members of Parliament, five current and three former. They were present to show their support for an initiative designed to lift the educational achievements of local children.
A partnership school is special because it reflects what that community wants and feels is important to their children's future. It started the school year with a roll of 80 children. The teachers are young, experienced and energetic with one male teacher on staff.
The principal told me the children are all keen to come to school and learn but she did say they are the children of families who are struggling.
That's why this school is important.
She said if these children do not receive the attention they deserve and get quality education they will not do well later in life.
Education is the key and while the school must provide the standard curriculum it can incorporate other important aspects, to that community, into the school programme.
Hekia Parata, Minister of Education, spoke of four main factors that will help make the school successful: 1) Experienced, committed teachers, 2) having the resources required to provide quality education, 3) continued community support and 4) expecting only the best educational outcomes.
Having a school that is supported by the whole community will hopefully lead to improved engagement and success in education for the Maori students.
Interestingly the minister went on to open another partnership school, for Pacific Islands children, later that day.
These communities want change and are prepared to get involved. They know there is major room for improvement.
I believe all schools want to see their students achieve but the statistics for Maori and Pacific Islands students lag way behind other students.
Partnership schools are another option for parents to consider.
Nga Whare Waatea marae is providing academic, cultural and pastoral support to students and their families.
They believe better family engagement with the school will arrest the sad state of Maori education results.
Continuing to fail is not an option for the children of their community. They have taken action and from what I saw at the school opening, have the required community support to see them achieve.
-Merepeka lives in Rotorua. She writes, speaks and broadcasts to thwart the spread of political correctness.