There are over 460 Kōhanga Reo throughout Aotearoa so chances are you will find one in your area. You will find the welcome mat is out. If the Kōhanga Reo happens to have a building that is depilated, when you walk in you will find that it doesn’t matter as it will be full of children because the wairua is there.
It is consistently said amongst many people today, that Kōhanga Reo is one of the greatest movements to be established in New Zealand. The Kōhanga Reo philosophy is a Māori world view and the movement’s goal is to revitalise and increase the use of the Māori language and traditional Māori beliefs and customary practices with all who embrace it. Our Kōhanga Reo story can be followed in the history section of this website. How did our people start a Kōhanga Reo? They had determination, commitment and a strong desire to have their children learn te reo Māori in a Māori environment. Many years later, Te Kōhanga Reo has proven to be a very successful foundation for tamariki in preparation for a Māori-medium education pathway and indeed for living life as Māori.
Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust website
Families who enrol their children are committed to the kaupapa of learning and speaking te reo. Parents are brought into the fold and supported to learn as their children are too. For example, some situational phrases may be sent home for parents to practice with their children. Grandparents and other family members can participate and are equally included.
Fees are low to support all families to participate.
A special note about Te Kōhanga Reo
Kōhanga Reo provide more than an ECE service. This was recognised in a report by the Waitangi Tribunal (October 2012).
The Tribunal found that the Government had failed to promote the benefits of Te Kōhanga Reo as a way of preserving the language and failed to accurately measure its achievement. Classification of it as an ECE service under the Ministry of Education had led to discrimination in funding and the imposition of regulations that were not always helpful or appropriate (READ MORE)
You may also be interested in:
A copy of the My ECE Parents’ Checklist for Choosing a Quality Early Childhood Education and Care Service
