The primary objective of this research project was to investigate the specific interventions that make the biggest difference to Maori students' academic motivation and in-school engagement within one Kahui Ako in Aotearoa New Zealand. Student, whanau, school leader, and teacher perspectives were examined to understand which interventions were most successful and why. The project's second objective was to develop a collaborative matauranga Maori informed research partnership with Kahui Ako leaders. This research partnership was designed to assist with developing collaborative expertise and identifying key information for guiding decision making about successful interventions. Using this information, school and Kahui Ako leaders continue to develop and redefine their intervention programmes into the future.