“Let’s embed ako, tikanga and te reo in our teaching & learning”, but how? We strive to increase Māori engagement & achievement, but the tikanga to reach these goals can be difficult. A novel project has engaged students & staff from across Wintec faculties as well as iwi, businesses, Council and funding agencies from the Waikato rohe to collaborate in a culturally appropriate way. The outcome will be not just a lasting public artwork for our community, but increased understanding for participants of how to embed Māori achievement into teaching & learning.