SITALEKI TE KAURU TE KANAPU AFEMUI NOHOTIMA
Palmerston North,MWT
Summary
- I am a Raukura of Te Kura Kaupapa Māori
- Manawatū. I am a Māori language, curriculum, and assessment specialist with proven Wharekura leadership,
- NZQA/national assessment expertise, and experience designing kura-wide systems that honour Te Aho Matua while meeting MoE, NZQA, and ERO expectations.
- My leadership style is steady, relational, honest, and solutions-focused: I listen carefully, act with integrity, and follow through. I am committed to one unified kura tuatahi–Wharekura where every tamaiti and mokopuna is seen, supported, and lifted.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Wharekura Lead / Senior Leader
Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Manawatū
01.2024 - Current
- Lead Wharekura curriculum, teaching and learning, and support kura-wide strategic implementation.
- Analysed ERO non-compliances; drafted kura-wide systems for roles, assessment, documentation, and Wharekura establishment.
- Planned reinstatement of the Porowhā Programme across the kura.
- Developed a holistic, inclusive model for neurodivergent and diverse tamariki and mokopuna using IEPs/ILPs with whānau and sector experts.
Head of Department (Wharekura), Senior Leadership Team
Te Kura Māori o Porirua
01.2019 - 01.2024
- Led Te Reo Māori, Te Reo Rangatira, and Tikanga ā-Iwi (Y9–13).
- Served as Principal’s Nominee & Principal’s National Delegate (NCEA, NZQA liaison, internal moderation, compliance).
- Strengthened collaborative planning, integrated marau design, and consistent assessment practice.
Education
Bachelor of Teaching -
Te WānangaRaukawa
01.2018
Diploma - Te Reo Māori
Massey University
01.2013
UE - undefined
St Peter’s College
01.2013
Skills
- Curriculum development
- Strategic implementation
- Compliance analysis
- System documentation
- Collaborative planning
- NCEA compliance
- Cultural competency
- Team coordination
CAPABILITIES AND EXPERIENCE
- Te Aho Matua & Kura Kaupapa Māori Philosophy
- Raukura of TKKM
- Manawatū; fluent in te reo Māori me ōna tikanga.
- Lead teaching, leadership, and systems through a Te Aho Matua lens, ensuring decisions reflect kaupapa, reo, and mana motuhake.
- Strategic & Organisational Leadership (Y1–13)
- Design and implement practical structures that clarify roles, responsibilities, and reporting lines.
- Align kura tuatahi–Wharekura planning, programmes, and systems so the kura operates as one coherent organisation.
- Curriculum, NCEA & Assessment Leadership
- Specialist in Te Reo Māori, Te Reo Rangatira, Tikanga ā-Iwi and Wharekura pathways.
- NZQA moderator and assessment writer (Te Reo Rangatira, Te Reo Māori, Pāngarau).
- Experienced in internal moderation, NCEA quality assurance, assessment design, data use, and reporting.
- Quality Systems, Compliance & ERO/MoE Readiness
- Led the design and development of the 2025 – 2028 Mahere Rautaki for Te Kura Māori
- Porirua
- Led the ERO Review for Te Kura Māori
- Porirua, 2024 with favourable outcomes
- Led the implementation of Edge/Helix for Student Management Systems (reporting, data, and whānau communications) for Te Kura Māori
- Porirua, 2024
- Inclusive Education
- Restructured and strengthened the Porowhā Programme as kura-wide identification, support, and monitoring.
- Champion non-segregated, holistic support for neurodivergent and diverse tamariki and using IEPs/ILPs with whānau and specialists embedded in everyday practice.
- People Leadership, Relationships & Communication
- Known as approachable, calm, and fair; able to have courageous conversations with care.
- Skilled at building trust with kaimahi, whānau, iwi, Kāhui Ako, and sector partners.
- Confident communicator in te reo Māori and English across formal, informal, and high-stakes contexts.
Additional Roles (Summary)
- Te Wānanga
- Raukawa – Māori Language Assistant Tutor
- Te Kura Kaupapa Māori
- Mana Tamariki – Preferred Relief Teacher
- Palmerston North Intermediate Normal School & Ross Intermediate – Māori Language Tutor & Consultant
- Ako Panuku, Huia Publishers, Māoriland Productions, He Kupenga Hao i te Reo Ltd – Translator and resource developer (te reo Māori resources, film scripts, Rangatahi novels)
- NZQA - Assessment Writer, External Moderator, Panel Member, External Marker
PERSONAL
I am grounded, reliable, and people-focused. I bring a steady presence, clear thinking in challenging situations, and a deep commitment to the wellbeing and success of our tamariki and mokopuna, our kaimahi, and our kura whānau.
Timeline
Wharekura Lead / Senior Leader
Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Manawatū
01.2024 - Current
Head of Department (Wharekura), Senior Leadership Team
Te Kura Māori o Porirua
01.2019 - 01.2024
Diploma - Te Reo Māori
Massey University
UE - undefined
St Peter’s College
Bachelor of Teaching -
Te WānangaRaukawa