Te Kōhanga Reo: Pay Parity: Giving our kaimahi what they deserve

22 May 2026

“Me noho pono, kia ū ki ngā tikanga manaaki Kaimahi”
Te Korowai 2022, Pg19

Pay Parity (Utu Taurite) formally began in March 2023. It was part of responding to Matua Rautia, the Waitangi Tribunal’s response to the Wai 2336 claim and the Crown agreeing to increase funding so kōhanga whānau can pay kaiako fairly, at rates comparable to teachers in kura (schools).

The short videos below explain Pay Parity, where it came from and why it matters. You’ll hear from Mihi Tashkoff, General Manager Strategy and Relationships at the Trust and Damian Edwards, a Pay Parity Advisor at the Trust.

Mihi Tashkoff – Pou Whakarehu | General Manager Strategy and Relationships

In the video below, Mihi shares her background and the role she has played in supporting Pay Parity.

Damian Edwards – Pay Parity Advisor

In the video below, Damian shares a little about his background and the perspective he brings to this kaupapa. His understanding of what was needed to get Pay Parity established has helped support a pathway that works for kōhanga reo.

Whānau can also register for the Whakamana Whānau Matihiko workshops, starting 25 May in Taitokerau and running through to 19 June across the motu. These sessions are designed to build confidence and make the EDGE and Smartly systems easier to use. To register, please email [email protected]

Workshop delivery plan

Each workshop is a 3-hour, hands-on session. Trust Kaiwhakarite-ā-Rohe and the Kaupapa Funding teams will be on hand to support and district kaimahi for each rohe will also attend. These sessions are best suited to intermediate to advanced users and are designed for people already responsible for this mahi at kōhanga.