Our Impact
Since our earliest days, Kōtare has carried out evaluations at the end of every programme. We believe strongly in learning from and reflecting on our practice at every step of the way. In 2020-2021 we also undertook a qualitatively researched Impact Survey, exploring the effects of participation on peoples’ personal, organisational and community lives. The overarching message was that those with whom we work see us as a unique and necessary organisation, offering learning, hope and a place to stand.
Residential education
In our recent survey people strongly endorsed our early decision to focus primarily on providing two- and three-day residential workshops. Even though it is sometimes difficult for people to travel, once they arrive participants appreciate the space, the peaceful setting, the good healthy kai, and the centrality of ritual, creativity and relationships.
‘The processes are multi-dimensional, not forced, we waiata, we pause, we share space together...the kai is nutritious and prepared lovingly, it feels safe to open my heart and mind and spirit.’
-Participant quote
Te Tiriti o Waitangi values
Kōtare is widely recognised and respected for the role-modelling and education work we do as a Pākehā organisation striving to operate in a way that is grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi but which is not focused solely on ‘treaty education’ itself, and which also seeks to include tangata whenua, tagata Pasifika and all tauiwi in our workshops and other activities.
‘I loved seeing the role modelling by Pākehā when engaging with issues of deep concern for tangata whenua, following the ‘give way’ for tangata whenua to speak...’
-Participant quote
A different kind of education
There is no other educational organisation in Aotearoa quite like Kōtare, at least among Tangata Tiriti groups. Kōtare holds firmly to its original kaupapa and to its commitment to constructing educational experiences which strengthen collective analysis, strategic development and group-building, with solidarity and justice at the heart.
‘I was pleased to learn political, cultural and social analysis at the grassroots with the people who mostly bore the brunt ...Kōtare widened and deepened my understanding because of the diverse groups in the room.’
-Participant quote
Learn more