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Mā te whānau o te Kōhanga Reo hei whakatakoto he kaupapa hei whakanui i te mauri ora o ia mokopuna i roto i te korowai o Te Kōhanga Reo

The kōhanga reo whānau will plan to maximise the strengths and skills of each mokopuna cloaked in the korowai of Te Kōhanga Reo. The role of whānau or family in kōhanga reo is as important as is Te Reo Māori, mokopuna (children) and Kaumātua (elders). Whānau are the foundation blocks of the kōhanga reo movement. Kōhanga reo philosophy is based on Ngā Pou e Whā, or the 4 kaupapa statements in Te Korowai.

Whānau

Te Reo Māori – Total immersion in Reo Māori in Kōhanga.

Whanau Management – are part of decision making, management and share responsibility of driving Kōhanga.

Accountability, Kia Tika Kia Pono- Whānau are accountable and committed to each other and the kaupapa.

The Health and Wellbeing of the Mokopuna and the Whānau. Kia noho Haumaru-Providing an environment that is physically, environmentally and spiritually safe for the mokopuna and their whänau. Kōhanga Reo is not an early childhood service, it is concerned with the survival of the Māori language and whānau social development through te reo, tikanga and āhuatanga Māori.

Kōhanga Reo is not only a journey for the child but the whole family. Kōhanga Reo offers courses for parents, through whānau learning as well as professional development for Kaiako(teachers), kaimahi and parents.

There are over 460 Kōhanga Reo established throughout the country, use the Kohanga Locater to find a Kōhanga nearest you.

Te Whānau

Te Kōhanga reo is committed to the protection and revitalisation of the Māori language, its protocols and cultural practices. Whānau are key and must have a vested interest in the promotion and survival of the Māori language and its cultural practices.

“Tērā te wā kā whānau mai he tamaiti o te kupu whakaari, māna tātou e ārahi”

“A child is a gift from the divine and they will lead us”

Whānau are encouraged to participate in te reo Māori and the life journey of their child. Whānau involvement in Kōhanga Reo is important.

“It takes a village to raise a child”.

Whānau decision making, management and responsibilities are supported to ensure that the Māori language and cultural practices are observed and promoted using the following key documents from Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust:

• Te Korowai - Guidelines for Chartering containing kaupapa principles, goals and objectives under the four Pou.

These are

Te Reo Māori; Whānau decision making, management and responsibility, Accountability and the Health and Wellbeing of the mokopuna and the whānau

• Tūtohinga – The Trust approved charter agreement between Te Kōhanga Reo whānau and Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust Board.

• Te Whāriki – The Mokopuna Learning Programme to grow the learning and development of mokopuna within te ao Māori while being immersed in the Māori language.

• Te Ara Tūāpae - The 25 Year Strategic Plan, (2008 - 2033) developed by the kohanga whānau for the Kōhanga Reo movement.

Every child has an opportunity through Te Kaupapa o Te Kōhanga Reo to embrace their cultural identity from a Māori world view. This is our greatest legacy.