Over the past decade, the notion of sustainability has shifted from being primarily connected to ecological issues to becoming an all-encompassing concept that extends into every facet of life. Notably, in multicultural societies such as New Zealand, there has been increased recognition of the importance of Bicultural sustainability. Bicultural sustainability refers to the preservation and thriving of two distinct cultures within a shared society. It goes beyond mere coexistence and aims to create an equitable environment in which distinct cultures can maintain their identities, values, and traditions, all the while collaborating for mutual benefit.
To learn more about Bicultural sustainability at Kristin, I interviewed my good friend Angus Baker who has been extensively involved with efforts to promote biculturalism at Kristin. Angus says “There has been a noticeable increase in the awareness and centrality of bicultural sustainability following the Executive Principal’s Bicultural Review in 2020. For instance, Kristin has developed stronger relationships with its local marae, Te Herenga Waka o Orewa, cemented in the laying of the Mauri Stone in the construction of the Junior School Reception and the new Itinerant Music building.”
Angus says one of his first major experiences with biculturalism at Kristin occurred “when I was part of our first official contact with the local marae when I visited alongside senior staff members and three other students in 2021. We met with officials at the marae and established some key bicultural objectives for Kristin, which continue to develop, as shown by the 2021 and 2022 Annual Reports. This started an auspicious relationship with Kereama Nathan and his team and led to the formation of the Middle School Bicultural Team at Kristin.”
Angus also mentioned that “a new tikanga course has been established for the Year 9 cohort to increase the understanding of Te Ao Mãori at Kristin. As part of Base Days, students have, this year, begun to visit Te Herenga Waka o Orewa, which was an early idea of the Middle School Student Bicultural Team.”
As the founder of the Bicultural team here at Kristin, Angus believes that “the inclusion of sustainability in the school curriculum - especially through a cultural lens - is paramount as it prepares the students of an increasingly interconnected world in which diversity is cherished.”
