Practical learning solutions for organisations and individuals
From Te Ao Māori and cultural capability to bespoke e-learning and professional development, Ako creates practical learning experiences designed for real-world impact.
Who we are
Ko wai mātou
We are a proudly wāhine Māori owned and operated Academy led by qualified educators and learning designers dedicated to creating fun, safe, mana-enhancing learning experiences that build confidence and capability in te ao Māori for individuals and organisations.
With over 30 years’ combined experience in Māori education, our team brings expertise in Te Reo Māori, tikanga and kaupapa Māori, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Aotearoa history, cultural and language strategy, and e-learning design.
Testimonals
Kupu tautoko
"I would highly recommend Ako to any organisation seeking cultural capability support, especially those with nationally dispersed and diverse workforces. Their tailored programs are engaging and deliver a strong return on investment.”
Sports NZ
"The te reo classes delivered by Ako Academy have been incredible! The Ako Academy tutors are patient, friendly, knowledgeable and encouraging. They build a really safe environment for staff to give it a go and know that it is okay to make mistakes. Their passion for teaching te reo comes through in the classes! We are so excited to continue our journey with Ako Academy.”
New Zealand Law Society
"Natalia has transformed my Te Reo, giving me the tools and confidence I need to use Te Reo in a wide range of formal and informal settings. Her patience and encouragement has really helped me grow my skills”
Ruth Shinoda, Deputy Chief executive, ERO
“Natalia was able to provide us with a pilot programme and then a full year’s plan with a language strategy to progress our staff through a series of learning capability levels.The pilot programme was hugely successful, considering the cultural diversity of those participating in the class.”
Tanya Wilson, Callaghan Innovation
"I completed two half days of an outstanding online workshop programme with Ako Academy. The workshop aimed at raising our understanding around Te Tiriti as a founding document of our nation and the place it should hold in this beautiful country of Aotearoa, New Zealand.
It was insightful, inspiring, challenging and thought provoking both as an individual and collectively as to how we can honour Te Tiriti."
"Natalia supported me in preparation to be kaikaranga for my mahi. Natalia has a gentle and supportive approach which was important to build my confidence in karanga. She provided a depth of knowledge and comfort to my karanga that I didn’t have before. I’d highly recommend working with Natalia!"
Case Studies
Our Mahi
Our services
ngā Ratonga
Te Reo & Tikanga Māori
Embrace Te Reo and Tikanga Māori with our transformative direct and e-learning services, enabling learners to engage in an authentic way.
Cultural Advisory
Expert guidance and support for those seeking to foster cultural understanding, sensitivity, and inclusivity.
Te Tiriti o Waitangi
Deepen understanding and meaningful engagement with Aotearoa's founding document.
Cultural Strategy
Empowering and supporting organisations with the tools and insights to create effective cultural strategies that foster success.
Professional Development
Professional development services that grow people, strengthen relationships, and support meaningful learning in practice.
Translation
Precise and culturally attuned translations to bridge cultural barriers and facilitate meaningful connections.
Connect with with us online
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Our Clients
Ō mātou kiritaki