This episode discusses the challenges of recruiting te reo speaking kaiako, and of creative ways of addressing the issue.

Mārama’s guests are:

• Robin Fabish, former tumuaki and current Leadership Advisor for the Ministry of Education


• Nori Parata, tumuaki of Kahukuranui and Tolaga Bay Area school

This podcast was produced for the Ministry of Education as part of Te Ara Tīmatanga mō ngā Tumuaki - The Beginning Pathway for Principals.

You can learn more by accessing Te Ara Tīmatanga mō ngā Tumuaki - The Beginning Pathway for Principals e-learning modules on the Education LMS: https://training.education.govt.nz

Show notes

Episode themes:

• The difficulties of recruiting all kaiako, and the particular challenge of recruiting te reo speakers, which is even greater in rural and remote areas. Relievers are an additional challenge.


• The E-Bite programme, which allows fluent te reo speakers to be employed on a Limited Authority to Teach (LAT) while they get their teaching qualification.


• Using kaiāwhina i te reo, kaitautoko i te reo, and kaiārahi i te reo in classes where you can’t find a te reo teacher, treating them like a beginning teacher and providing them with good support.


• Employing a LAT might sometimes mean assisting someone to apply for the LAT and paying for the application and renewals to keep them on.


• Ensuring that te reo speaking kaiako have everything they need to do the job, so ensuring there is adequate budget for all they need.


• Using the knowledge of the tumuaki around you to help with questions you may have.

Additional information

E-Bite programme https://workforce.education.govt.nz/principals-and-schools/local-employment-and-recruitment-support/kaupapa-maori-maori-medium-ebite-programme-funding-award

Employing LATS https://workforce.education.govt.nz/principals-and-schools/local-employment-and-recruitment-support/employing-someone-limited-authority-teach