7 Concurrent Goals

Although education has a number of other goals including enlightenment and learning for the sake of learning, three particular goals have been highlighted as relevant to Mäori: enabling Mäori to live as Mäori, facilitating participation as citizens of the world, contributing towards good health and a high standard of living. Some might argue that one is more important than the other two, or that less emphasis might be afforded to another, but they were presented at the Hui Taumata Mätauranga as concurrent goals - a parcel of goals - all of which should be pursued, together. It makes limited sense only to prepare students for a life in international commerce if living as a Mäori must be sacrificed. Similarly, if fluency in te reo Mäori has been achieved through education but there is no preparation for work or for participating in a wider society, then a disadvantage has occurred. The point is that all three goals must be addressed. Education is not the only factor that will determine fluency in te reo, or readiness for participation in a global society, or good health, but it has the potential to be a major contributor, and educational failure significantly reduces chances of success in any of the three areas.