Tai Tama Tāne, The Leadership Academy of A Company pays tribute to the 28 Māori Battalion A Company and aspires to ‘build Māori leaders’ so that our young men may contribute to and benefit from the wider world. The Academy is not a programme; it is a way of being in the world.
The motivation for this project came from successful learning models of the past including, Māori boarding schools, the military and Māori trade training. The lessons we have learnt from these models give us the best indication of the type of framework we need to create a lasting legacy for Māori achievement.
Cassino, Italy Commonwealth War Memorial Cemetery
The Academy model has its origins in the past while using present day frameworks as a guide: “The best of yesterday, the knowing of today, to build a model for tomorrow”.
From 2015 onwards tai tama tāne who come through Te Pūtake can apply to enter the Leadership Academy of A Company. The Leadership Academy will provide the Kura’s leadership structure similar to that of prefects in mainstream. Academy cadets are expected to wear their 2A uniform when out representing the Kura. Ranking of cadets will be based upon a set criteria.
A Mana Wahine leadership programme is also under development.