This article presents findings from a study focusing on ako in mathematics teaching in one English-medium secondary school classroom. The participants were a Year 9 class (22 akonga with varying ethnicities and mathematics achievement levels) and their non-Maori kaiako, the researcher. Data were generated through surveys, discussions between akonga and their kaiako, and reflective notes. Results indicated that drawing on literature and empowering student voice in the shaping of how ako was enacted helped to increase motivation and achievement in mathematics learning. Classroom management also improved as relationships with akonga and whanau, grounded in akonga worlds, developed. This article provides examples of how other kaiako can richly reflect ako in their own classrooms.