Whānau Mercy Ministries continues to uphold our foundational commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, even as the legislative landscape changes for schools in Aotearoa New Zealand. The Education and Training Amendment Bill No. 2, which has passed its third reading and will soon become law, removes the requirement for school boards to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, including reflecting tikanga Māori and mātauranga Māori in policies, curriculum, and teaching.
Encouragement to Boards and Communities
We encourage all Mercy school boards and communities to make or continue to express public commitments to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. This is a fundamental responsibility and a living expression of Mercy values. By embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi in policy, curriculum, and relationships, we honour the dignity of all and foster authentic partnership. We fully endorse and support the statement released by the New Zealand Catholic Education Office (NZCEO).
Mercy Commitment
As outlined in the WMM Statement of Purpose, Whānau Mercy Ministries is committed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the tradition of Catherine McAuley, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and the sacredness of all creation.
Our WMM Strategic Framework places Te Tiriti o Waitangi at the heart of our priorities. We are deepening our commitment by:
• Examining how Te Tiriti o Waitangi is lived and practised across all ministries
• Offering opportunities to grow understanding of Te Ao Māori
• Strengthening relationships with mana whenua
• Embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles in governance and operations
Mercy Schools
Many Catholic schools (over 100) were staffed, founded, or managed by Nga Whaea Atawhai o Aotearoa Sisters of Mercy New Zealand over the past 175 years.
The following five Mercy colleges are ministries of Whānau Mercy Ministries in Aotearoa New Zealand:
• St Mary’s College Auckland
• Carmel College Auckland
• St Mary’s College Wellington
• St Catherine’s College Wellington
• Villa Maria College Christchurch