John Huria and Esther Smaill introduce a resource from NZCER called Ready for Partnership? This peer-reviewed resource is based on a wealth of Māori publishing experience, doctoral research in linguistics, and extensive teaching experience. John and Esther show how they have used it to refresh older assessments and create new assessments that improve equity by welcoming and engaging diverse ākonga Māori. The extent to which ākonga see themselves represented in (or welcomed and engaged by) assessments can affect whether that assessment provides them with the opportunity to show what they know and can do. If ākonga do not see themselves represented in an assessment, they may not have the opportunity to demonstrate all that they know and can do. This is an equity issue. Workshop attendees had the chance to strengthen their ability to work in partnership to develop assessments that give ākonga Māori real opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge and ability.
John Huria (Ngāi Tahu, Muaūpoko, Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō, Ngāti Rangi) has a background in literary studies and the Māori arts. As kaiētita matua (senior editor) for NZCER John focuses on research journals, books, and reports, and is in the final year of PhD study at the Waikato University Management School, researching Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Esther Smaill (Tangata Tiriti) is a kairangahau matua (senior researcher) at NZCER. Esther is committed to honouring the principles of Te Tīriti o Waitangi, and this commitment underpins and drives her rangahau. Esther’s research interests include aromatawai, assessment for learning, teacher professional learning, and the revitalisation of te reo Māori. Esther is a registered primary school teacher and has taught in both Tāmaki-makau-rau and Ōtepoti.
Find John and Esther’s presentation slides here: John Huria And Esther Smaill Creating Assessments That Welcome ākonga Māori NZAI 2025
