Kaitakawaenga

Invercargill-based Ngarongo, a kaitakawaenga for more than ten years, enjoys watching attitudes towards tamariki with special education needs change for the better.

"Sometimes families come to me wondering what to do with their tamaiti, and it's inspiring when they learn what's possible - that there are no boundaries that, with help, their tamaiti can learn and develop."

Ngarongo (Rongo), who also works as a part-time Ministry of Education, Special Education (GSE) pouārahi-ā-takiwā (district Māori advisor), is of Ngāti Haua descent in the Waikato.

As a kaitakawaenga, she works alongside GSE specialists, helping them provide culturally-appropriate services to Māori children and young people, and their whānau and educators.

She does this in a range of ways. For example, when a tamaiti is referred to GSE, Rongo might go and meet the tamaiti and their whānau before the first meeting with GSE staff is set up. She'll talk to whānau at home, at marae, kura, whare kura, kohanga reo or wherever suits them best. Rongo will talk to whānau about special education, explaining what GSE does and telling them about her co-workers to ensure whānau are comfortable and prepared for their next meeting.

From that point on, she'll remain that whānau's key point of contact with GSE.

Rongo says a key part of her job is building culturally-appropriate relationships among all the people who support a tamaiti with special education needs.

As a kaitakawaenga, she also helps - as part of a wider team - develop, implement, monitor and review a tamariki's education plan.

Talking to groups of people who work with children with special education needs such as teachers, whānau, and representatives from volunteer and government agencies is another part of her role.

"I encourage them to understand that we've all got an important role in supporting these children. I think these tamariki are lovely to work with, that they're unique and special."