The Curriculum — How Wai Ako Supports NZ Curriculum Goals

Aligned with the Te Reo Māori and Aotearoa NZ Histories Curriculum

Wai Ako is designed to help primary schools meet the Te Aho Arataki Marau mō te Ako i Te Reo Māori (Curriculum Guidelines for teaching te reo Māori in English‑medium schools) and the new Aotearoa New Zealand Histories Curriculum.

Our ready‑to‑use video lessons make it simple to teach te reo Māori, New Zealand histories, and Treaty of Waitangi concepts — even if you’re a beginner teacher.

Te Reo Māori Curriculum Alignment

The Te Reo Māori Curriculum Guidelines set out 8 levels. For primary schools, it’s expected that teachers focus on Levels 1 and 2, introducing students to basic words, phrases, and cultural concepts.  (See FAQs: “Can all schools use the curriculum? How do I use the curriculum?”).

Within Levels 1 and 2 there are  12 Achievement Objectives (1.1-1.7 and 2.1-2.5) covering milestones such as:

• Greeting others and introducing yourself.

• Using classroom language.

• Talking about feelings and everyday activities.

  
  
  

Wai Ako breaks each Achievement Objective into 1–3 songs or lesson videos, each focusing on a single, achievable phrase or concept.

Teachers can realistically aim to teach about two Achievement Objectives per year, with a pace of 4–5 new songs annually being ideal.

Our Long Term Plans (LTPs) map out suggested sequences for teaching both te reo Māori and the draft Aotearoa NZ Histories curriculum. See our LTPs page.

Aotearoa NZ Histories and Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Wai Ako also supports your delivery of the new Aotearoa NZ Histories Curriculum, introducing students to key moments, people, and concepts in our shared history — including the Treaty of Waitangi.

Our lessons help teachers meet curriculum expectations while building confidence in delivering culturally responsive content.

Why Wai Ako works:

✅ Fully aligned with primary curriculum levels.
✅ Bite‑sized lessons make objectives manageable.
✅ Builds confidence in teachers & tamariki.
✅ Fits naturally into daily routines.

Have questions about curriculum fit?

Email us at info@waiako.com and we’ll be happy to help you plan your approach.