Te Kai a te Rangatira is a specialised professional learning programme designed for principals and senior leaders who are committed to leading culturally capable, inclusive, and future-focused kura. Grounded in best practice for educational leadership in Aotearoa, the programme supports leaders to confidently integrate te reo Māori, tikanga Māori, and mātauranga Māori into everyday practice, decision-making, and the wider cultural life of their school.

Through a structured five-week journey, participants develop practical skills in pronunciation, mihi, karakia, and tikanga-based processes, while strengthening their ability to lead authentically in both formal and informal Māori contexts. The programme emphasises relational leadership, supporting leaders to build meaningful connections with whānau, hapū, and iwi, and to embed values such as manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, and kaitiakitanga within their kura.

Designed specifically for the realities of school leadership, Te Kai a te Rangatira provides practical tools, guided reo practice, and reflective leadership activities that can be applied immediately. The focus is on building long-term capability, enabling leaders to model culturally responsive practice and create environments where identity, wellbeing, and belonging are strengthened for ākonga, whānau, and staff.