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Te Ara Whakamana: Mana Enhancement Training

Te Ara Whakamana: Mana Enhancement Training is delivered via 4 options:

• Self-Directed Online Training – a 10-module online course, available to start at any time 
• Blended Online Self-Directed Training – facilitated guidance and support (minimum number required)
• 2-day Facilitated Online Training – 2x full day training delivery – held approx 1 month apart 
• 2-day Kanohi-ki-te-kanohi/face to face Training – 2x full day in-person training delivery, held approx 1 month apart  

We also hold open online trainings throughout the year and can provide a personalised 2-day kanohi ki te kanohi/face to face training upon request – minimum numbers may be required. 

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A centre-wide approach – Facilitated guidance and support delivered over 6 months

Te Ara Whakamana: Mana Enhancement is most effective when implemented as a centre-wide approach. This brings together ECE management, teachers, Mana Whenua, support staff, whānau, and support services, to create an environment prepared for success. 

This approach ensures that the learning is not a one-off event but a sustained journey of growth, reflection, and refinement. Ongoing guidance helps embed the model deeply into daily practice, aligning it with your vision, goals and community needs. It allows for responsive adaptation as circumstances change, strengthens cultural capability over time, and builds collective confidence in applying Te Ara Whakamana, fostering transformational change that is positive, lasting, and honours the cultural integrity and voices of all. 

Part 1: Foundation Training 6-8 weeks – setting up for success

Foundation training begins by planning with centre managers. We seek inclusion of local Mana Whenua in Te Ara Whakamana, where we meet to introduce the kaupapa and seek support with implementation of local knowledge, pūrākau, waiata, karakia, protocols and practices etc. to create authentic and culturally safe implementation.   
 
Staff then undertake the 10-module self-directed Te Ara Whakamana online course. We continue with online whole of staff support sessions which include effective implementation support, risk assessment, safety plans and transition planning.  

• Te Ara Whakamana planning (management)
• Online Mana Whenua hui (includes management)
• 10-module self-directed online Te Ara Whakamana training
• 3 x Online support sessions for staff

Resources:

• Te Ara Whakamana Implementation Guide
• Te Ara Whakamana Manual
• Customised Padlet
• Downloadable digital resources
• Access to the Te Ara Whakamana online shared Community of Practice

Part 2: Embedding the Kaupapa over 6 months

Once the culture of Te Ara Whakamana has been introduced, we pay a centre visit to experience first hand the visibility and impact of the kaupapa, talking with teachers, staff and tamariki, and meet to feed back / feed forward with staff and senior management. During the centre visit, a special whānau training session is held (afternoon or evening), where whānau have the opportunity to experience Te Ara Whakamana first hand. Management and staff are also supported with 3 additional online support sessions from our team.  

• Centre visit: visibilty and evidence, implementing change, embedding and sustaining the kaupapa
• Whānau training: introduction of Te Ara Whakamana in whānau-friendly language, creating community reach
• 3x staff online support sessions
• 3x management online support sessions 

Data collection throughout the Te Ara Whakamana journey follows a process of enquiry into ‘why, what and how’ we change what we do in ways that truly support learning and positive outcomes. In this way, analysing the data supports action research, a growth model approach and transformational change. 

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Feedback from Te Ara Whakamana Early Childhood Education Practitioners

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