Tsunami Risk Reduction Activities for Kura Kaupapa Māori

This project was a pilot for the development of culturally appropriate educational activities for tsunami risk reduction and preparedness in kura kaupapa Māori (Māori language immersion schools). High school students from Hukarere Girls’ College designed a kete of resources for younger kids at Maraenui Bilingual School. Research activities were collaboratively designed, with mātauranga Māori as a focus, in order to increase awareness of regional hazards for Māori children in the Hawke’s Bay region. The researchers worked with educators, tamariki and whānau at kura kaupapa Māori to build stronger whanaungatanga between Massey University, the East Coast Life at the Boundary (East Coast LAB), Māori and educational institutions to foster enhanced hazard resilience within the community. Lessons learned from the evaluation have helped inform future disaster education initiatives for both Māori and total immersion or bilingual schools.