He Kōrero nā Te Tumu Whakarae
Tumu Whakarae – Angus Hartley
Pihi kau ake te whakaaro pai hauhake tonu iho.
“Together we will cultivate our aspirations, that will continue to bear a bountiful harvest.”
This year we reflect on 40 years of the kaupapa of Kōhanga Reo. The trials and tribulations, the struggle, and successes for the recognition of our kaupapa. The fact that Kōhanga Reo is still thriving today is a testament to the commitment of our people to keep our language and our heritage alive.
Kōhanga Reo has paved the way for the idea that it’s cool to be Māori, to kōrero Māori, to know your whakapapa, your pepeha and be connected to your culture. This would not have been possible without the dedication and support of our kaumātua whose shoulders we stand on. We build on the legacy of the past to inform our future.
Te Hokorua o Te Kōhanga Reo is the premier event to celebrate our history, our whanaungatanga and our kaupapa. Kōhanga Reo is weaved into the cultural fabric of Aotearoa, and the world, setting the standard for language revitalisation and cultural repatriation. This event is not only ours, as we celebrate alongside Te Matatini, Te Taura Whiri I te reo Māori, Ngā Tama Toa and many other kaupapa who have each contributed to the renaissance of te iwi Maōri.
Our tipuna of Te Hokowhitu ā Tū fought for the right of citizenship, and Te Kōhanga Reo fought for the right to be Māori this is ‘Te Hokorua o Te Kōhanga Reo’ 40years of the movement.
E te tī, e te tā, Tū Tangata mai rā, nau mai ki te Hokorua o Te Kōhanga Reo.