Te Mātauaki
Mā te mātau, me te aki, ka hono te kakama
Through knowledge and encouragement, readiness is strengthened.
He kupu whakataki
Te Mātauaki is a kaupapa Māori education service supporting tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau across our community. We work alongside schools, kura, and families to strengthen engagement in learning and build pathways toward positive futures.
Our name reflects our purpose: mātau (knowledge) and aki (encouragement). Together, these words speak to how we walk with young people and their whānau, building understanding while offering steady encouragement.
We provide two connected services: an Attendance Service that supports regular school engagement, and an Alternative Education programme for rangatahi who need a different learning environment. Both are grounded in relationships, respect, and cultural responsiveness.
Our kaupapa
Our work is guided by values that honour whakapapa, whanaungatanga, and the mana of every person we work with.
- Manaakitanga – We care for and uplift those we work with
- Whanaungatanga – Relationships are at the heart of all we do
- Kotahitanga – We work together with shared purpose
- Rangatiratanga – We support self-determination and agency
How we work
- Whānau-centred – We work alongside the whole whānau
- Relationship-based – Trust is built before progress
- Practical and responsive – Support reflects real needs
- Culturally grounded – Tikanga Māori is woven throughout
Attendance Service
Our Attendance Service works with schools and whānau to support tamariki and rangatahi who are not attending school regularly.
- Whānau visits and in-home support
- Liaison between schools and whānau
- Identification of attendance barriers
- Connection to community support services
- Transition and re-engagement planning
Referrals are made by schools. If you’re unsure, get in touch and we can point you in the right direction.
Alternative Education
Alternative Education provides a different learning environment for rangatahi who are disconnected from mainstream schooling.
- Literacy, numeracy, and life skills
- Project-based and practical learning
- Tikanga Māori embedded into daily practice
- Outdoor and physical education
- Planned transitions into next pathways
Te Mātauaki operates in partnership with the Ministry of Education, schools, and support services. We complement existing education pathways rather than replace them.
Get in touch
Attendance Service enquiry
For whānau, schools, or agencies wanting to discuss attendance support. This is not a referral form.
Alternative Education enquiry
For enquiries about Alternative Education pathways or programme suitability.
We welcome a kōrero.
If you’re not sure which service fits, complete either form and we’ll be in touch.