Abstract:
Through a Kaupapa Māori approach, two purposes have been achieved within this research. The first is to use Critical Discourse Analysis to draw attention to the prevailing condition of social life and historical context for the evolution and implementation of the Māori Education Strategy Ka Hikitia - Managing for Success 2008-2012. The second is to incorporate the stories of Māori teachers in a mainstream setting and their voice surrounding what enables and disables the use of the strategy Ka Hikitia. This research draws on the author's ethnographic view of her own educational experience as a way into the study, identifying areas of contention. The organic growth of this research topic was motivated by a desire to continue to make change for Māori. In doing so a void was found in the lack of use and knowledge about the Māori Education Strategy Ka Hikitia. This research seeks answers to improve the educational journey of Māori ākonga by delving into the current debate about underachievement of Māori while also challenging the implementation of strategies and their ability to foster sustainable change. From the outset, a Kaupapa Māori approach has been employed to support the validity of this work and to establish that the findings gave back in a valuable and useful way to the Taki Hono whānau.