Māori Values Training
New Zealand Planning Institute
| Project | New Zealand Planning Institute – Planning for Maori Values Training Suite: Introduction, Intermediate and Advanced |
| Client | New Zealand Planning Institute |
| Location | Online virtual training platform |
| Project Date | 2021 – 2026 |
| Roles | Ida Kohu (Project Lead, Content development and presenter), William Koopu (Content development and presenter) Jade Wikaira (Technical Oversight and Content Review, Presenter) |
| Type | Training, Facilitation, Course development and delivery |
Challenge
New Zealand Planners and technicians who work in design and resource management are increasingly called upon to engage meaningfully with tangata whenua, ensuring Māori perspectives and values are reflected in consents, plans and decision making. The New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI) offers the Planning for Māori Values training programme as part of its continued learning programme.
Training is staged in three separate workshops
Te Timatanga – the introduction, laying the foundation for understanding Māori values.
Te Piriti – the bridge and intermediate level building on Te Timatanga, building on the foundations, developing their understanding of Māori values and developing critical skills in mātauranga Māori.
Ki Te Hoe - the advanced level course and compulsory course in gaining NZPI full membership.
“I left with so much more knowledge than I expected… I have walked away with a better appreciation for how to engage and things to consider in that process.”
— Course participant
Our expertise
Our team carefully designed the Planning for Māori Values to provide a clear learning pathway from foundational knowledge to advanced practice. Each workshop builds participant confidence to engage meaningfully with Te Ao Māori, while deepening their understanding of Māori values, mātauranga Māori, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, He Whakaputanga, and Māori interests in resource management.
Content focuses on cultural context and practical application. We translate complex issues into accessible, actionable learning experiences that participants can apply directly in their work.
We create engaging, interactive components that encourage participation, discussion, and reflection. Through whanaungatanga, we demonstrate expectations for how participants can connect with tangata whenua in their professional roles.
Our virtual delivery format has enabled us to reach a wider audience while maintaining connection and interaction that these topics demand. We build an open space for learning, ensuring participants feel supported and connected throughout the sessions.
Success and Insights
Te Ao Māori focus: We lead with Māori values, creating spaces that reflect tikanga and deepen understanding.
Leadership: Participants value the safe, inclusive environment where values are demonstrated and not just taught.
Engagement: We invite questions and critical reflection, encouraging active participation
Real-time modelling: We show the behaviours we expect, embodying learning.
Accessibility: Virtual delivery increases reach and includes interactive elements to keep connected with participants.
High levels of engagement are part of our approach, with participants noting the inclusive space that makes it easy to ask questions and reflect critically.
““It was good to bounce ideas off the others during the day as we all have different experiences with iwi engagement,” one participant explained. ”
“I appreciated the warm, inclusive space you created… I’m looking forward to applying what I’ve learned – and to continue my learning.
— Course participant
