Our Programmes
Join the movement for change
This two-year, Employment-Based Initial Teacher Education Programme offers a fully funded qualification, developing exceptional teachers and leaders.
This programme cultivates leaders creating community change, using indigenous-led research, hands-on projects and flexible part-time learning.
Over 500 participants have completed the
Teach First NZ Programme.
Our participants and alumni have worked directly with over
100,000 students.
Community Groups
Ako Mātātupu has partnered
with over 130 Schools & community groups.
Our Impact Across Aotearoa
The aim of our mahi is to support all young people to fulfill their potential, by disrupting the inequities that exist in both education and society.
Since its founding in 2012, Ako Mātātupu Teach First NZ has worked to address educational inequality by attracting and developing more than 500 exceptional individuals to teach and lead, serving low income communities across Aotearoa.
With 13 cohorts, a 90% graduation rate, over 75% of our graduates continuing to teach in the communities they serve, our impact speaks volumes.
Testimonials
Hear From Our Kairapu
Inspiring Stories Of Impact And Success
Meet some of our Kairapu who are making a difference in their classrooms & communities.
Adrienne Likatau
I want more for Maori & Pasifika tane who are over represented in New Zealand’s (justice) statistics. I want to use my walk, alongside vulnerable communities whilst working in the social services sector and whanau lived experience, to serve tane impacted by their relationships with prison. The Masters of Community Action & Social Impact has […]
Jayatheeswaran Vijayakumar
Having joined the Teach First NZ Programme as part of Cohort 2020, Jayatheeswaran (Jay) Vijayakumar, a former medical doctor, has transformed his passion for the sciences into a force for change in the Bay of Islands community. Currently the Head of Science at Bay of Islands College, Jay has been instrumental in shifting perceptions of […]
Aonghas Jones
“I had been studying Physics for 5 years and I wanted a career that would have real net impact in the world. I put myself forward for the Teach First NZ Programme because Ako Mātātupu was committed to addressing inequalities in the education system. I started a Science club at school to encourage more students […]
Liziana Fa’asolo
“Now I’m 8 years in, I can see the impact this teaching practice has for our communities. If you’re on the fence about joining this programme, I say just do it. You won’t regret it. I chose the Teach First NZ Programme so I could teach in a way that allows rangatahi to stand strong […]
Mitchell Clark
“School played a big part in shaping who I am today, so I chose to go into teaching after finishing university. I love that the Teach First NZ PRogramme is all about diversity. Teenagers are just starting to figure out who they are, and they need to see teachers who reflect these identities. I was […]
Junior Toailoa Isara
From a young age, Junior found great joy in helping his peers with their studies. This passion led him to aspire to become a mathematics teacher, aiming to serve as a role model and inspire other Pasifika students to succeed in STEM subjects. Junior completed a Bachelor of Science at the University of Auckland, with […]
Brent Dunn
Motivated by a deeply personal moment with his mother and aunty following their cancer diagnoses, Brent was inspired to reconnect his whānau with their whakapapa and strengthen intergenerational ties. Through the Master’s programme, Brent gained the knowledge, tools, and confidence to explore his family’s stories and create meaningful ways to share them—particularly through whakairo and […]
Jono Smith
I had thought about applying to do a Masters programme at some point, but I had never found a programme that resonated with me. I didn’t like the idea of taking a break from my work or completing a programme that wasn’t tailored to my context. All of my past studies had been through a […]
Become a school partner
Are you interested in partnering with Ako Mātātupu to train and develop exceptional teachers for your school community?
