Kupu whakataki | Introduction
Te Kōhanga Reo whānau are invited to take part in the 2026 elections for Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust Board (the Board). This page explains how the elections work, who is being elected, and the key dates for nominations and voting.
The Board provides strategic governance for Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust (the Trust), helping to uphold and strengthen the kaupapa of Kōhanga Reo and the use and retention of te reo Māori me ōna tikanga across the motu.
This page will be updated at each step of the election process, so whānau can come back here for the latest information, links and results.
Te aronga | Purpose of the 2026 elections
In 2026, five trustees will be elected to the Board. One trustee will be elected from each of the following rohe:
D5/11 Waiariki Tūwharetoa
D6 Te Tai Rāwhiti
D9 Ikaroa
D10 Te Wai Pounamu
D12/14 Mātaatua/Tauranga Moana
Before your whānau selects a nominee, please read the document Guidelines for choosing a Board nominee. This resource will support whānau to make a fair and informed decision about who to nominate to represent their rohe.
Elected trustees will usually serve a five year term, as provided under the Trust Deed, unless they resign in writing before the end of their term.
Te Whakaritenga | Current step in the process
From 12 January to 5pm, 12 February 2026, we are at Step 1: Whānau nominations.
Each Kōhanga Reo whānau is invited to select one nominee to put forward on behalf of their Kōhanga Reo. This is the first step in the election process and helps to ensure that whānau voices are central to the governance of the Trust.
To complete Step 1:
Download the PDF Board Elections Process | Step One: Whānau nominations
Fill in all Kōhanga Reo and nominee details
Make sure the Chairperson, Kaiwhakarite and Whānau Representative sign the form
Attach a copy of the signed whānau hui minutes confirming the nomination
Email the completed form and minutes to [email protected] before 5pm, 12 February 2026
Links to the Step 1 PDF and supporting documents are available in the Where to find all election documents section below.
Key dates at a glance
Ngā hikoinga kōwhiringa | Election process steps
The election process follows a series of steps, from whānau nominations through to online voting. The visual below shows each step and the dates they apply.
Where to find all election documents
All documents related to the 2026 Board elections, including the Trust Deed, guidelines for choosing a Board nominee, nomination forms and online voting links (when they open) will be available on this page.
Pātai?
If you have any questions about the election process, please contact Te Rangipaia Serepisos or Nicola Bonica via email: [email protected] or call 0800 564 2642 (press 0 to be transferred to the BOT team).