Bicultural development within an early childhood teacher education programme

Abstract

This paper reports findings from a doctoral study which focused on processes implemented within an early childhood teacher education programme at the University of Waikato in Hamilton, New Zealand, that aimed to deliver on a stated commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi/the Treaty of Waitangi. This 1840 treaty guaranteed protection to Māori, the indigenous people of Aotearoa/New Zealand. As a result of the impact of colonisation by Britain, Māori have become marginalised within their own country, and their language is threatened. Recognition of the treaty necessitates a restorative process that may be termed ‘bicultural development’. This paper describes key features of the bicultural development process implemented within this teacher education programme.