In 2023, Holly Bodman published an article in SET entitled ‘Becoming an ally: Decolonising a New Zealand classroom’. In the article, Holly shares her journey to critically examine her cultural identity and take responsibility for her unconscious bias in her teaching practice. This application of research to practice led Holly to Kōia te Mātauraka, and in 2024 she joined our team as a curriculum writer. Since joining Kōia, we have encouraged Holly to write about the next chapter of her journey in partnering with us. The result is ‘Ko Whaea Kēkē te Haumi | Aunty Ally’ a column in the Kōia te Mātauraka Pānui which we distribute to stakeholders in our takiwā (region) in Weeks 1, 5 and 9 of each term. 

In sharing her learning “out loud”, Holly hopes to contribute to the growing ally movement across Aotearoa New Zealand and transform education. In the column, Holly discusses allyship from her position as a fourth-generation, middle-class, Pākehā mother and kaiako living in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland). Not everything she shares will resonate, so please swipe left as you need. This said, we think that what Holly has to say will resonate with many kaiako, and if you have topic suggestions, pātai (questions), or would just like to kōrero (talk), Holly would love to hear from you! She can be contacted at holly.bodman@ngaitahu.iwi.nz.