Researcher

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Shape the Future of Education in Araiteuru: Lead the Development of a Kawenata for Te Huatū

Hono ki Tua Limited is a kaupapa-driven education entity established to support and deliver Te Huatū across the Araiteuru takiwā. It is collectively owned by Te Rūnaka o Ōtākou, Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki, and Te Rūnanga o Moeraki, reflecting a shared commitment from mana whenua to lead and shape education outcomes within our takiwā.

Te Huatū is explicit and unapologetic in its prioritisation of Kāi Tahu knowledge systems, histories, and Te Reo Kāi Tahu. This work is grounded in the belief that education pathways should be shaped by the narratives, values, and mātauraka of this place.

At the heart of this kaupapa is the development of a kawenata, a shared commitment that reflects the aspirations of ākoka, whānau, and mana whenua, and strengthens how we work collectively across the education sector. The kawenata will affirm Kāi Tahu identity within the Araiteuru takiwā and support stronger outcomes for ākoka through a shared sense of belonging, identity, and cultural wellbeing.

We invite proposals from experienced researcher(s), rōpū, or organisations to partner with us in the development of this kawenata.

About The Opportunity

This is a unique opportunity to lead a kaupapa Māori research and co-design process that will shape a shared commitment across mana whenua and the education sector. The kawenata will:

• Articulate shared values, principles, and aspirations
• Strengthen relationships and mutual accountability
• Reflect Kāi Tahu knowledge systems, histories, and Te Reo Kāi Tahu
• Provide a practical and enduring foundation to guide future work

This work will be undertaken through a process that is inclusive, respectful, and grounded in tikaka, centring the voices of ākoka, whānau, mana whenua, and education partners.

Scope of work

The Successful Respondent Will

• Design and lead a kaupapa Māori research and engagement approach
• Facilitate hui and/or wānaka with key stakeholders
• Capture, synthesise, and honour the whakaaro of participants
• Develop a draft kawenata for feedback and refinement
• Deliver a final kawenata that is clear, culturally grounded, and ready for use across the sector

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking experienced researcher(s) who can hold this kaupapa with integrity, depth, and care and will bring:

• A strong grounding in te ao Māori, tikaka, and working with mana whenua
• Proven experience in kaupapa Māori and or Indigenous research methodologies
• Skilled facilitation of hui, wānaka, and co-design processes
• Experience developing values-based frameworks or agreements (e.g. kawenata, charters)
• Ability to work confidently across mana whenua, educators, and whānau
• Strong writing and synthesis skills (able to translate whakaaro into a clear, meaningful, and practical outcome).
• Demonstrated ability to deliver work within agreed timeframes

Ideally, You Will Also Have

• Understanding of the Aotearoa education system
• Existing relationships or experience within the Araiteuru takiwā / Kāi Tahu context
• Capability in te reo Māori

Above all, we are seeking someone who can bring people together and hold this kaupapa with care, recognising that the kawenata is more than a document. It is a reflection of shared aspirations, relationships, and collective responsibility for the success of ākoka, whānau, and mana whenua.

If you are interested in submitting an RFP and require more information, please contact ***email_hidden*** for a full description of the RFP.