In a keynote speech at the 52nd Annual Convention of the Hawai’i State Teachers Association, Ripeka Lessels, a notable Māori educator and leader, shared insights on resilience, cultural pride, and collective action. Lessels, who presides over NZEI Te Riu Roa, New Zealand’s largest education trade union with more than 50,000 members, addressed nearly 200 delegates in Hawaiʻi. She spoke about her responsibilities as a union leader, principal, and a descendant of Māori warriors.
“In front of you are my kupuna, my tupuna, my great, great grandfather, my great grandfather, my grandfather and my father […] I am the entire aspiration of all their dreams. Me and my descendants are their aspirations,” Lessels expressed.
Leading a K-12 Māori medium school of 100 students, she emphasized the importance of commitment over numbers in achieving educational success: “Numbers has never been my game, ever, as a classroom teacher, as a principal. It’s not been about numbers. For me, it’s been about depth.”
Lessels has also contributed to New Zealand’s Teaching Council, emphasizing adherence to the Treaty of Waitangi in educational guidelines: “I’m a proud counselor that said that the Treaty of Waitangi was right at the top. Every teacher needed to adhere to the Treaty of Waitangi.” The Treaty, signed in 1840, was meant to establish a harmonious relationship and ensure Māori rights to land and resources.
She discussed legislative changes prompted by the minister of education, which sought to redefine the Treaty in education criteria—a move Lessels critiqued: “a racist piece of legislation.” This led to over 300,000 submissions in opposition, ultimately defeating the bill.
Lessels conveyed a universal lesson: “The fight and struggle that you have is across the world,” reinforcing the need for organization and mobilization against legislation affecting education.
During her time at NZEI, Lessels sought to transform the union’s colonial influences, stating: “my immediate executives that sit at my table are all Māori.” She mentioned ongoing changes in union governance and membership, emphasizing cultural re-indigenization.
Lastly, she urged educators to unite and vocalize their concerns, saying: “Unions are really good at organizing […] Be proud of being able to come together with like minds, with a focus, speak up and speak out about everything that will impact you as a teacher. Don’t be afraid to speak out.”
Lessels concluded her talk by emphasizing unity: “You are much stronger together than you are apart.”
