Who we are
Ko wai mātou
We are a proudly wāhine Māori owned social enterprise, 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 14 years’ 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.
At Ako Academy, we honour the meaning of ako - to teach and to learn - embracing knowledge as a shared journey.
Case Studies
Our Mahi
E-Learning Solutions | Department of Conservation
Ako partnered with the Department of Conservation to implement the Te Whāriki Learning Suite as an organisation-wide cultural capability solution. Designed for scalable, flexible delivery, the six-module programme supported staff across Aotearoa to strengthen their understanding of te reo Māori and te ao Māori.
The result was consistent, accessible learning that built confidence and supported more meaningful engagement with mana whenua in everyday practice.
“The utilisation of these modules has enabled us to work towards meeting our legislative obligations to a level that we have not been able to internally deliver on to date. The materials are engaging and well designed, and the team including Natalia have been nothing but delightful to work alongside in this journey.”
Renee Smith - Apanui, Department of Conversation.
Te Reo Māori Courses | Sport New Zealand
Ako worked alongside Sport NZ to deliver an organisation-wide te reo Māori learning programme aligned with their Te Ao Māori strategy. This included supporting teams across the country to grow capability, confidence, and cultural understanding in ways that strengthened relationships and embedded Te Ao Māori values throughout their organisational culture.
“I would highly recommend Ako to any organisation seeking cultural capability support, especially those with nationally diverse and dispersed workforces. Their tailored programs are engaging and deliver and strong return on investment”
Stevie Winikerei, Sports New Zealand
Testimonals
Kupu tautoko
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.
Our Clients
Ō mātou kiritaki
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