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Beyond policy and good intentions

This paper examines the situation for Maori learners for special needs in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Despite considerable legislation and official documentation supporting the provision of culturally appropriate special education services for Maori, research shows that these learners are often neglected, overlooked and sometimes even excluded.The main factors contributing to this situation are: a shortage of culturally appropriate services, programmes, assessment measures and resources; and individual and societal beliefs, attitudes and practices that are detrimental to Maori children, parents and families. A range of initiatives to overcome these barriers are outlined. These include strategies for encouraging greater Maori involvement in special education; compulsory, bicultural pre‐ and in‐service education for all special education personnel; an increase in bicultural, multicultural and social justice components in the national curriculum; and the devolution to Maori and people with disabilities decision‐making powers in all areas that affect their lives.