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Ministry of Education New Zealand
Important

Effective 20 April 2026, the numbering of the curriculum criteria has changed. There have been no changes to the curriculum criteria wording or associated guidance.

Criterion C111#

Positive steps are taken to respect and acknowledge the aspirations held by parents and whānau for their children.

Curriculum criteria documentation required

Guidance#

It is important that kaiako develop meaningful and reciprocal relationships with parents and whānau, hapū, iwi and the wider community. An environment that is safe, respectful, and welcoming will encourage whānau | families to contribute the aspirations they have for their child.

Te Whāriki is a basis for weaving with children, and parents and whānau their own valued learning, taking into consideration the aspirations and learning priorities of hapū, iwi and community.

Parents and whānau expectations are significant influences on children’s own experiences and aspirations. When kaiako and parents and whānau collaborate, relationships can strengthen. This will influence kaiako and parents and whānau understandings of aspirations and expectations for mokopuna.

Children’s learning and development is enhanced when culturally appropriate ways of communicating are used and when parents and whānau and community are encouraged to participate in and contribute to the curriculum.

Connections to past, present, and future are integral to a Māori perspective of relationships. This includes relationships to tīpuna who have passed on and connections through whakapapa to, for example, maunga, awa, moana, whenua and marae.