Kuia Whakaruruhau

One of the staff you may come into contact with at the Ministry of Education, Special Education (GSE) might be a kuia or kaumatua.

Tauranga-based kuia Rangiwhakaehu is a tāonga (treasure) to her colleagues. Experience and whakapapa ensures that Rangiwhakaehu knows almost everyone in the rohe. And, when you first meet her, you just may be invited to call her: "Aunty Nan."

Aunty Nan's whakapapa links her to Ngāti Ranginui and Ngāi Te Rangi and she counts Ngāi Te Ahi, Ngāi Tamarawāho and Ngāti Tapu among her hapū.

Aunty Nan is a pioneer of education in her rohe of Tauranga Moana. Her passion for education, especially te reo Māori and literacy, began when she helped to bring the kōhanga reo movement to her marae, Hairini.

Aunty Nan has taught te reo Māori and Māori tikanga in a wide range of places - from kōhanga reo to universities. She has also been involved in a range of research projects focused on Māori language and teacher training. In 1999, she received a Queen's Service Medal for her contribution to Māori education.

Aunty Nan now works - one day per week - as kuia whakaruruhau for Poutama Pounamu Research Centre, a part of GSE.

In her role as kuia whakaruruhau, Aunty Nan acts as the research centre's eyes and ears, making sure its work is culturally safe.

In practice, this involves building relationships between Poutama Pounamu researchers and the people (such as kura educators and whānau) involved in the team's research.

It also means Aunty Nan spends time reviewing researchers' reports and programmes to make sure they accurately reflect Māori knowledge (both old and new) and the educational needs of Māori students.

Aunty Nan describes her role: "I believe in making our education system work for Māori students. It's a privilege to contribute to this vision by working alongside the Poutama Pounamu research whānau to monitor and provide input into their work."

It's useful to know that not all GSE kuia and kaumatua work in the same way or do the same thing. Each role is unique and reflects what is required of them in their rohe and from their whānau.