Effective bicultural leadership: A way to restore harmony at school and avoid suspension

Abstract

This article depicts the application of the three principles of the Treaty of Waitangi: Partnership (power sharing, decision making), Protection (acknowledging indigenous knowledge and values) and Participation (equity) as a way of affecting change through bicultural leadership, in schools. It also describes powhiri and hui whakatika, a metaphor for engagement, which is constructed of four phases, 1: the pre-hui phase; 2: the hui phase; 3: forming/consolidating the plan; and 4: follow-up and review. Also, the relationships between principals and school staff and local kaumatua, the significance of these models is the implication for Maori students, if power sharing, equity and self-determination in mainstream schools are enabled. Therefore, partnerships and relationships that can be formed on the basis of inclusion, social justice and equity will provide a school environment for Maori students to succeed in.