Kia ora koutou St Mary’s Whānau,
You may have seen recent news about changes being made to the responsibilities of school boards across Aotearoa New Zealand. While the legislation adjusts how these responsibilities are described, we want to reassure you that the heart of our work and our commitment to your children remains unchanged.
At St Mary’s, our purpose continues to be providing high-quality learning, supporting the wellbeing of every ākonga (child), and fostering a school culture where every child feels known, valued, and able to flourish.
Educational Achievement
The Government has confirmed that academic achievement is the primary objective for all school boards. This includes supporting steady progress for every learner, strengthening attendance, and using good assessment information to guide decisions.
This aligns naturally with our existing strategic goals. At St Mary’s, we already place strong emphasis on quality teaching, clear pathways for learning, and preparing our children well at each stage of their educational journey.
Changes Relating to Te Tiriti o Waitangi
The updated legislation changes the wording of how school boards are expected to engage with Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Boards are now given specific responsibilities, including:
Our current values and practices ensure these responsibilities are already being met and often exceeded. As a Board we will continue to place the same level of emphasis on "Matauranga Maori" to ensure we continue to develop as a school and community.
Our Ongoing Commitment
Although the legal wording has changed, our commitments have not.
As a Catholic school guided by Gospel values, we remain dedicated to:
These principles reflect both our Special Character and our long-term strategic direction.
Guidance from the Catholic Church in Aotearoa
We also want to acknowledge the recent statement from the New Zealand Catholic Education Office (NZCEO), which reflects the collective position of the Catholic Bishops of Aotearoa New Zealand.
The Catholic Church has long affirmed the importance of honouring the Treaty relationship, working in partnership with tangata whenua, and embedding tikanga and te reo Māori within our schools as an expression of Catholic social teaching, human dignity, and the common good.
The NZCEO has been clear in encouraging Catholic school boards to continue:
This guidance has the full support of the Proprietor’s representatives and of our Board, and we will continue to uphold these expectations as part of our Special Character and mission.
The NZCEO’s full statement will form part of our upcoming Board and staff Formation.
Honouring Te Ao Māori at St Mary’s
We will continue to celebrate and strengthen tikanga Māori and te reo Māori through the practices already embedded in our school, including:
These elements enrich our school and strengthen the sense of belonging for all learners.
Celebrating All Cultures
St Mary’s is blessed to be a richly diverse community. We remain committed to:
We believe every child is uniquely created in the image of God, and embracing their cultural identity is central to our mission as a Catholic school.
Looking Ahead
As further guidance is provided by the Ministry of Education, our Board will thoughtfully integrate any required changes into our planning. What will not change is our commitment to:
A caring, inclusive environment where all children, Māori, Pasifika, Pākehā, Indian, and all other cultural groups are supported to grow in knowledge, character, and faith
Thank you for your ongoing trust and partnership. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Principal Paul Wallace or Presiding Member Matt Rogers.
Ngā manaakitanga,
St Mary’s Catholic Primary School HastingsBoard of Trustees
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