Whitireia and WelTec Kaiwhakahaere Rangahau, Jamie Smiler, has been recognised with the prestigious Kaupapa Māori Award in this year’s Ako Aotearoa Te Whatu Kairangi – Aotearoa Tertiary Educator Awards.
Jamie is one of nine academics (comprising two Te Pūkenga kaimahi and seven university kaimahi) to be recognised by Te Whatu Kairangi - Ako Aotearoa Tertiary Educator Awards. One of these awardees will be named the Prime Minister’s Educator of the Year at an online ceremony on 23 Whiringa-ā-rangi (November).
As kaiako (tutor) and leader, Jamie strongly believes that incorporating kaupapa Māori-informed teaching practice provides a more inclusive learning environment for all ākonga (learners) and in the end supports the transforming aspirations of whānau, hapū and iwi. “I’m incredibly honoured that this award acknowledges the value of a kaupapa Māori approach in helping our ākonga succeed.”
Mark Oldershaw, Manahautū Executive Director for Whitireia and WelTec, says that through Jamie’s leadership in this area, educators can embed change within our institutions.
“Jamie’s commitment to kaupapa Māori, and his personal philosophy of ‘one ākonga at a time’ demonstrates kaupapa Māori-informed teaching excellence.”
Find out more about Jamie’s mahi and the Kaupapa Māori Ako Aotearoa Te Whatu Kairangi – Aotearoa Tertiary Educator Awards.
