Te Akatea (NZ Māori Principals Association) held its annual Hui Taumata in Wellington this April, bringing together passionate school leaders from all over the country. The Hui Taumata is the association’s national conference where principals and educational leaders gather to share knowledge and strengthen Māori-led education.
As proud sponsors of Te Akatea, CrestClean was honoured to attend and continue its support for the kaupapa. Despite the wild Wellington weather (cancelled flights and all) the CrestClean team made the most of their time, connecting with attendees and forming new relationships.
Representing CrestClean at the hui were Dunedin Master Franchisees Tony and Nicky Kramers, along with Wellington Master Franchisees Adrian and Kylie Cashmore, who are marking their first year leading the region. Tony says the event provides a valuable opportunity to connect with principals and educators.
“It’s a great to have a relationship with an organisation that’s passionate about improving outcomes for current and emerging Māori leaders,” he says.
CrestClean’s display space was perfectly positioned at the entrance, allowing the team to welcome people as they arrived and engage with a steady stream of visitors throughout the event.
Tony was especially pleased to catch up with Te Akatea Manukura Bruce Jepsen for a meaningful discussion about CrestClean’s involvement in the organisation’s ongoing commitment to supporting Māori leadership in education.
Now in their second year attending the national hui, Tony says the goal is to keep strengthening relationships, getting to know more of the Te Akatea whānau and being a consistent, trusted presence.
“We’re all about building long-term relationships,” he says. “It’s like building a house – it takes a while to lay the foundations before the house is built.”
Looking ahead, the team hopes to expand their involvement by attending regional hui and introducing CrestClean to Te Akatea on a local level.
“It’s important for our Regional Managers to have an understanding of the culture and its expectations,” says Tony.
By taking turns at the stall, the team were able to attend some of the conference sessions, join in waiata with principals, and listen to inspiring local speakers from the Pōneke-Wellington region.
“There were really great speakers who discussed how we can normalise Māori in schools and communities,” says Tony.
And of course, attendees had the chance to enter CrestClean’s prize draw to win a kete filled with goodies – a fun way to wrap up such a powerful event. The lucky winner of the kete was Iti Joyce, a member of Huia Kaimanawa who advocate for Māori self-determination and revitalisation.
Following on from last year’s hui in Tauranga, Tony took to the stage to speak again this year. He delivered a heartfelt kōrero in te reo Māori about CrestClean’s commitment to creating clean, safe environments that support teachers in their quest to help tamariki thrive.
“We love having the opportunity to get behind something that has good momentum and to be part of the wind in the sail to push them forward,” he says.
Watch Tony’s kōrero here:
