He mahi kai takata, he mahi kai hōaka – Anything worthwhile requires considerable effort

Out of the rubble of post-quake Ōtautahi has risen the weaving of Ngāi Tahu narratives and aspirations into the fabric of rebuilt and refurbed schools, under the guidance of Mātauraka Mahaanui. With the increased focus on localised curriculum, the need to have authentic partnerships with manawhenua are even more important. Janina Konia and her team have been supporting leaders in schools as they strive to ‘walk the talk’ and navigate this challenge. Four years on, Janina will share some pounamu (gems) of how grounded brave leaders can be committed to their obligations and lead this mahi.

Bios

Janina Konia

Janina Konia (Ngāi Tahu, Ngā Puhi) is the kaiārahi of Mātauraka Mahaanui, an advisory board to the Ministry of Education, and includes representatives from local papatipu rūnanga (Taumutu, Tuahiwi, Rāpaki) as well as from other iwi. They are mandated by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu to provide advice and guidance through the post-earthquake renewal of education across Waitaha. Mātauraka Mahaanui kaimahi advise on how local Māori stories and knowledge are woven into cultural narratives, physical spaces and curriculum content for education providers. This work serves to ultimately raise the profile and awareness of Māori and specifically Ngāi Tahu practices, beliefs, and stories. Janina has a special insight into the aspirations and educational needs of Māori, inherently carries Ngāi Tahutanga with her in day to day life and is passionate about ensuring positive experiences for Māori learners and Māori success as Māori.

Greg Jansen

Greg works across the education sector, with a focus on developing robust relational culture in school communities.  Greg’s work has also expanded into school community strategic and leadership development, whole school change and wider cluster and Kāhui Ako collaboration.

Greg works actively with principals, lead teams and change makers providing mentoring and coaching opportunities to support them to challenge thinking, deepen understanding, and develop practical future focused pathways, for themselves, their schools and wider community impact.

https://leadershiplab.co.nz/team/greg-jansen/

About the Leaders’ Connect online series

Leaders’ Connect is an interactive, relational, online space for education leaders. These one-hour online hui occur fortnightly and the aim is to:  

• Provide a safe place of connection for education leaders within NZ
• Support leaders’ wellbeing 
• Gain fresh leadership knowledge and capacity 
• Create professional connection via an online platform
• Provide a space for learning and sharing innovative practices and ideas 

In the spirit of Leaders’ Connect, as well as a Q&A time, there will be time for engaging in small group discussions for support and idea-sharing.