Ako Aotearoa has been overwhelmed with messages of support from people across the tertiary sector and would like to thank those who have already reached out to us during these challenging times.
Our employer, Massey University, is currently working through a proposal for change process that involves all Ako Aotearoa staff. The final decision of this will be announced on 1 October 2025.
Ongoing updates
We will bring you regular progress updates on Ako Aotearoa's programmes and services through this e-news.
This e-news features some of our latest updates and activities.
In this Ako Alert:
Website pick of free resources
Connecting with our community
Blog #6 | Assessment: Gateway to Growth or Barrier to Success?
The New Zealand Literacy and Numeracy Educator Awards
Tuia Te Ako online webinars
PLD theme for September | Māori cultural capability
Upcoming professional development
He maimai aroha mō Christine Herzog
Ako Aotearoa mourns the loss of Christine Herzog who sadly passed away late last month.
Christine was instrumental in the establishment, development and facilitation of our Treaty of Waitangi professional development programme - with many attendees and Ako Aotearoa staff praising her expertise on Te Tiriti and ability to create safe and open spaces during her workshops.
Ako Aotearoa hosted the Southern Regional Forum in Christchurch on 19 August, bringing together around 100 educators, leaders, and Te Whatu Kairangi Awardees from across the South Island.
Hosted at Haere-roa, the event featured a keynote from University of Canterbury Vice-Chancellor Cheryl de la Rey, who spoke on cultivating thought leadership and excellence in teaching. Attendees reflected on the importance of resilience, responsiveness, and relevance in today’s tertiary landscape, with many leaving inspired to reimagine their practice.
DysCalculator™ is a web and app-based calculator designed in Aotearoa New Zealand to make maths more accessible for people with dyscalculia and maths anxiety. With customisable settings for accessibility, it is a powerful tool for building confidence and understanding in maths.
We're pleased to share that DysCalculator can now be purchased on iOS and Android platforms or can be freely used as a website-based app.
We are proud of our outstanding relationship with APSTE and pleased to support their Fono at Victoria University of Wellington in August where Ako Aotearoa staff Dr Mei Winitana, Pale Sauni and Saylene Tanielu-Ulberg presented.
The Fono brought together Pasifika staff within the tertiary sector for two days to engage in rich talanoa and explore new ways to grow and thrive as Pasifika in tertiary education.
This blog explores the complex role of assessment in tertiary education and asks whether it empowers learners or holds them back. Drawing on sector insights and learner experiences, it challenges educators to rethink how assessment is designed and delivered, and what it could mean for equity and success.
The New Zealand Literacy and Numeracy Educator Awards
Join us this International Literacy Day on 8 September as we announce the recipients of the New Zealand Numeracy Educator Award and the New Zealand Literacy Educator Award.
These awards recognise outstanding contributions to adult literacy and numeracy education across the tertiary sector of Aotearoa New Zealand.
"I loved the simple and clear explanations of Ako"
Join Ako Aotearoa’s Māori Cultural Coaching programme to gain personalised coaching and advice on implementing five key Māori values of Manaakitanga, Rangatiratanga, Whanaungatanga, Wairuatanga, and Ako, that will enhance your teaching practice.
Enrolments into the Māori Cultural Coaching programme close 30 September.
Led by Sonali Dsilva from Equality Consulting, this webinar explores how inclusion and belonging strengthen classrooms and teams, offering new perspectives and practical tools for your classrooms and teams.
