Relationships with the Community

Many of the schools involved in these guidelines see schools leading a positive change in community attitudes to things Māori. Schools can provide a model for other local organisations to follow. They have the opportunity to develop relationships with Māori that involve mutual commitment and communication, leading ultimately to co-operation. Here are some suggestions for involving the wider community.

Allow the community to use school facilities

Some schools have developed as centres of community activity by allowing the public to use such facilities as their hall and sports grounds. In their experience, doing this has brought Māori parents through the gate and gradually into the school.

One primary school has found that building a school hall, which was opened by local kaumātua, has resulted in more Māori parents coming into the school. Now the school has a venue for events, and community groups can hire the hall.

Obtain business sponsorship

One central city primary school has used its location to encourage businesses to sponsor prizes for students. As many of the school's parents work in town, developing links with businesses has also increased contact with Māori parents.

Develop networks

Some schools have set up networks with other organisations in the community that they consult with regularly. Organisation mentioned in this way include kohanga reo, marae committees, iwi social service providers, Maatua Whangai, kaumatua, and iwi health providers. Several schools have also found that by creating networks with sports clubs and kapa haka groups and other Maori organisations, parents and other people in these organisations sometimes become involved in supporting the school in various ways, including working bees and running activities for the students in the school.

A Hamilton primary school identifies two community goals in its Strategic Plan. These are to:

• foster school/community partnership by involving parents in meaningful activities.
• enhance/raise the profile of the school.