Abstract:
This paper identifies a series of ongoing contradictions which Maori face in relation to how policy initiatives ostensibly designed to "work" for Maori interests, particularly with regard to Maori Members on School Boards of Trustees, continues to be controlled and defined by Pakeha. The context for this statement has been the educational reforms introduced by the Fourth Labour Government of New Zealand from 1989 to 1991. The new educational initiatives allow for token Maori participation and therefore neglect to address more fundamental change which is required.
The research which is outlined in this paper involved interviewing Maori Members on School Boards of Trustees, given that Boards of Trustees were identified by the Picot Report (1988) as the structure which would cater for Maori interests and aspirations. The perceived effectiveness of Maori Members on School Boards of Trustees was gauged through identifying, who controlled the decision processes related to the Maori Language Factor Funding. Mechanisms legislated in the new educational reforms which were ostensibly designed to safe-guard Maori interests, for example Equity legislations and Treaty of Waitangi considerations in school charters, are also analysed.
The research which is outlined in this paper involved interviewing Maori Members on School Boards of Trustees, given that Boards of Trustees were identified by the Picot Report (1988) as the structure which would cater for Maori interests and aspirations. The perceived effectiveness of Maori Members on School Boards of Trustees was gauged through identifying, who controlled the decision processes related to the Maori Language Factor Funding. Mechanisms legislated in the new educational reforms which were ostensibly designed to safe-guard Maori interests, for example Equity legislations and Treaty of Waitangi considerations in school charters, are also analysed.