Ngāmihi
I have had the privilege of knowing Timoti since I was a school boy. He was my kapahaka tutor when I was about 8-9 years old. However, at the end of 2016 following an ERO review, we were seeking cultural support for our kura. As a staff we had all of the right intentions in this area for a couple of years, but needed more knowledge and understanding and no one on our staff could bring that confidently. After meeting with 2-3 professional development providers, Timoti stood out as the person who really listened to what we wanted and to the approach we wanted to take. He recognised the delicate nature of the learning, and gave us a sense he could deliver this learning in a fun, hands on and empathetic way. He delivered just that to our staff.
2017 was a fantastic year of cultural development and learning for all of our staff. From basic language and tikanga through to culture and the learning of pūrākau/stories, places and people, even treaty negotiations; we surely covered a lot over the year’s sessions. Timoti was always prompt, fully prepared and practical with his delivery of content, both guiding and listening to our needs. We are certainly looking forward to continued development alongside Timoti this year.
Nā
Matthew Simeon
Tumuaki/Principal Pillans Point School
Tauranga