MAORI CULTURE

Te Ao Hou, April 1958, Page 27

MAORI CULTURE In terms of the Committee's recommendation the Officer for Maori Education is requested to “make every effort, using such means as school publications, in-service training, etc, to strengthen Ideas about school education may change, but the core remains the daily work in the classroom. By and large, teaching is successful when the class is animated and can answer the teacher's questions, as in this secondary class at Ruatoki Maori District High School (Charles Hale Photograph)

Many Maori schools teach dances, craft work and similar activities based on Maori tradition. Here is a canoe dance performed by children of the Mangamuka school (Hokianga) in 1953 (Photograph: John Ashton) Many Maori schools are noted for the excellent art work they produce. This is true for Ngataki School in the far North where this photo was taken. At Ngataki, art work and other creative activities occupy a very important part of the syllabus. The supervisor of the Arts and Crafts branch of the Education Department, Mr Gordon Tovey, has been specially interested in this school and some others in the district (Te Hapua, Te Kao, Paparore, Oturu, Pukepoto and Oruaiti). Teachers' efforts have mainly been directed to increase the children's awareness, control, perseverance and social poise by providing them with more opportunities for creative work. (N.P.S. Photograph)

the teaching of Maori history, legends, songs and art and crafts in all schools”. It suggested that “a knowledge of Maori culture is also necessary for the Pakeha child in order that he may more fully appreciate the history, achievements and intrinsic worth of the Maori”. Support was asked for the teaching of the Maori language. In-service courses have been held and several, including two being arranged by the Teachers' Refresher Course Committee, are planned for the near future—one is on the teaching of Maori language. A small committee is preparing notes that will assist teachers in certain of the Maori crafts. The School Publications Branch is producing several bulletins to add to those already published on Maori history and Maori living.