Our whakapapa

Pushing the boundaries of educational possibilities.

From April 2023 we made the decision to be known by our Māori name first
Tātai Aho Rau Core Education.

Read about the story that shaped the change.

Tātai Aho Rau Core Educations Journey

Tātai Aho Rau began its journey in 2003 with 10 staff as a not-for-profit that pushed the boundaries of educational possibilities in Information Communication Technologies (ICT) in education.

We have since evolved into a Tiriti-honouring company with over 160 staff and a powerful transformation agenda. We apply our skills and expertise to addressing the inequities we see for learners, specifically those disadvantaged by inequities.

We acknowledge the strength of our whakapapa and stand on its solid foundations as we continue to push boundaries in education.

2003

The journey began as a very small organisation called Ultralab South. It was modelled on Ultralab North in the United Kingdom, a public good, not-for-profit educational research and development institute that worked at the cutting edge of technology in education. 

2004

The first Navcon conference was held (now known as uLearn).

2005

Becoming CORE Education Limited with a new Board of Directors, signalled a separation from Ultralab North and a focus on developing a unique identity as a New Zealand-based organisation. It was committed to the values of transparency, social good and innovation.

2008

Registered as a Charitable Entity under the new Charities Act 2005. This is reflected in CORE’s constitution to “advance education”. 

2010

Re-branded as CORE Education (CORE), the shift was made towards becoming a bicultural not-for-profit company with a commitment to equity, inclusion and honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi. 

2010

CORE Foundation (later CORE Education Charitable Trust) launched to invest money back into the wider education sector, for the good of society.

2011

The February earthquake prompted Ōtautahi | Christchurch staff to move premises over the next few years. Later that year, CORE’s first Pōneke | Wellington office opened.

2012

CORE’s first Senior Leadership Team, (including a Kaihautū Māori position) was established.
LEARNZ online field trips joined the CORE whānau.

2013

The Dr Vince Ham eFellowship was established.

2015

The first dedicated Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland office opened.
Ōtautahi staff relocated to the current site of 144 Kilmore Street.

2019

Staff collaborated on a new vision and mission to take us forward into the future.
We conceptualise CORE as a social enterprise.

2020

First Tumu Whakarae (Chief Executive Officer) appointed.

Today, CORE Education has three offices and over 200 staff throughout Aotearoa. In recognition of its charitable status and purpose, each year CORE allocates money for a range of activities, awards, grants and scholarships.

2023

From April 2023 we made the decision to be known by our Māori name first – Tātai Aho Rau CORE Education. Read about the story that shaped the change.