Mō Mātou | Our Story
Established in 2021, Kia Kotahi Ako (Learning As One) is an alliance of Edmund Hillary Fellows, activating education initiatives that will have the biggest impact for Papatūānuku (mother earth).
WHY? We have a climate crisis and an inequitable education system. We’re working to tackle both of these issues - together. We’d love your help.
“I orea te tuatara ka patu ki waho.”
Founding Trustees are Joanne McEachen (Waitaha, Ngāti Māmoe, Ngāi Tahu), Nikora Ngaropo (Te Rarawa, Tuhoe, Ngāti Porou, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahungunu) and Andrew Boyd. Joanne has over 30 years experience in education in Aotearoa and globally as a teacher, principal, at the Ministry for Education and as a government advisor in systems change. They are joined by leaders, Huia Lambie (Ngāti Mutunga, Te Atiawa) and Sarah Grant, bringing their rich experience in iwi and hapū development and global education.
Informed by indigenous wisdom, we connect the dots to have a bigger impact ‘as one’. The two koru in our logo represent the spirit of collaboration, to emphasise the “smooth flow” and harmony necessary to work together.
To be involved with this mahi (work); email us at contact@kiakotahi.org
How we are working
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The intrinsic knowledge system of Te Ao Māori as a base for solutions
Student-designed solutions to tackle environmental challenges
Equitable educational outcomes
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Whakawhanaungatanga: thoughtful connections with others
Kaitiakitanga: intentional care in the way we work - for ourselves, others and the planet
Ako: learning in the spirit of reciprocity
The secret sauce: alert to new possibilities
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Accelerating education solutions for the environment
Championing Te Ao Māori initiatives
Weaving opportunities for policy system change
We are doing this through our contributions to three key projects. We see these projects as catalysts to wider impact in Aotearoa and driving the change needed at the system level.
