Mana and kaitiakitanga in early childhood education

Concepts of mana and kaitiakitanga are fundamental to Māori understandings of wellbeing. In this webinar, Dr Lesley Rameka (Te Herenga Waka | Victoria University of Wellington) explores how mana can be promoted through kaitiakitanga or active guardianship, as one way of meeting the practice expectations outlined in Te Whāriki.

The session describes a research project that explored opportunities for mokopuna to recognise mana and understand ways to accrue and attain mana through being kaitiaki of themselves, others and their environment. The research drew on both traditional perspectives and evidence-based understandings, strategies, and exemplars of teaching practice developed in collaboration with kaiako in early childhood centres.