Movements are strengthening in Aotearoa, working to further tino rangatiratanga, decolonisation, constitutional transformation and Te Tiriti justice. At the same time, backlash is ramping up in response. Challenging this backlash and anti-Māori racism is part of the ecosystem of change creating a Te Tiriti-based future, and all Tāngata Tiriti (people of the treaty) have a responsibility and role to play.

Tauiwi Tautoko trains tauiwi (non-Māori) to tautoko (support) Te Tiriti transformation by challenging anti-Māori racism from within tauiwi communities. Over 8 weeks, volunteers learn and practise a set of proven strategies from the anti-racist toolkit to ‘call in’ racist comments and gently challenge and change racist views. 

‘Calling in’ – inviting others to share, reflect, and potentially shift views – is only one form of anti-racist action, and it’s not always the right one; ‘calling out’ or shutting down racism is also crucial. Tauiwi Tautoko offers resources that can be part of the broader toolkit for when we want to engage in authentic conversations with those expressing racist views to create an opening to  shift  those views. 

This is one form of action tauiwi can take as Tāngata Tiriti, building on prior knowledge of both Te Tiriti o Waitangi and racism in Aotearoa. For those who may wish for this prior training, we recommend Courageous Conversations Aotearoa, Tangata Tiriti-Treaty People, Groundwork, Te Pumaomao, Tātou Tātou, and the many other remarkable educators, both on and offline.

To best support the learning and community over this 8 week period, please apply only if you are able to attend the opening hui and at least 5 of the 7 weekly online learning sessions.

Participants will have to be willing and able to contribute at least 4 hours’ work per week to this training for eight weeks, plus two half-day online hui. This includes:

This training is for tauiwi  pākehā  (an update on new training dates for tauiwi of colour will be released soon) who want to become more active in addressing racism when it occurs from our own tauiwi communities, through authentic conversations that can ‘call in’ to those expressing these views, seeding transformation.
The Tauiwi Tautoko approach is only one form of anti-racism, and is distinct from more ‘calling out’ approaches like fact-checking, broad campaigning or advocacy, or arguing. We lead with listening and curiosity - because we know this approach works, but also so that we are truly able to meet who we’re with.
We encourage you to think about whether this approach of ‘calling in’ is where you want to put your energy before signing up. 

This training is best suited to those who are already regularly engaged with social media (Facebook, Reddit, Threads, news comments, etc.), and willing to hang out in the ‘comments section’. 

The course focuses on online anti-racism as a really useful training ground, but also because this is where there is so much racism that needs challenging. We provide this training with the aim to equip as many volunteers as possible to take action online and hope, above all, that those who train with us continue this regular practice after the course. While you’re committing to being online with us for the course, participants find this training useful in informing offline conversations as well. 

We do offer a little extra tech support for anyone who needs it, but with the expectation that participants will use Facebook, Google folders, and Zoom during the training.

The course is about both training and practice, rather than learning for its own sake. You will put new skills into action each week, and reflect on how you’re doing. You will need to commit to the full programme and be ready to actively practise what we are learning during the course. We have a supportive community of volunteers and facilitators to connect with during the course and beyond. 

Course costs:
Our Tauiwi Tautoko course has limited spaces and is offered for free. We welcome donations but no one is turned away for lack of funds. Donations help us cover our facilitation and support costs, curriculum design and course development (to give a sense of costs, it is roughly $350pp to run the course).  Any koha is really appreciated. 

Please let us know if you have any questions. ([email protected])

We would love to have you join us and be part of an ever-growing community who are working together to support and advance tino rangatiratanga and decolonisation in Aotearoa.

Ngā mihi maioha.