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Revised Licensing Criteria for Kōhanga Reo now published
He Pānui ki ngā Kōhanga Reo
Ngā Paearu whai Raihana mō ngā Kōhanga Reo
Kua eke ki tētahi taumata hou, kua whakaputaina ngā Paearu Whai Raihana Hou.
Kei ngā ihoiho o ngā maunga whakahī o te motu, tēnā koutou katoa.
The revised Ngā Paearu whai Raihana mā ngā Kōhanga Reo have now been published and will come into effect on 1 March 2027.
This pānui provides an update so whānau know what is changing, why the Licensing Criteria have been revised, and what support will be available before they take effect.
He aha ngā panonitanga? | What is changing?
The Licensing Criteria have been reviewed to make them:
easier to understand
less repetitive
more practical to apply
better aligned with how Kōhanga Reo operate
more reflective of te reo Māori, tikanga Māori and the Kaupapa of Te Kōhanga Reo.
The changes focus on premises and facilities, health and safety, and governance, management and administration. The curriculum criteria will not change apart from their identification numbers.
This Kōhanga Reo-specific review has been undertaken by Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust in partnership with the Ministry of Education and has been informed by kōrero and feedback from Kōhanga Reo whānau across Aotearoa.
Te ara whakamua | The journey ahead
The roadmap below shows the journey to the revised Licensing Criteria, what has already been completed, and the next steps as we prepare for the implementation on 1 March 2027.
Ngā kōrero a te whānau | What we heard from whānau
Feedback from Kōhanga Reo whānau across Aotearoa showed strong support for Licensing Criteria that are clearer, more practical and better reflect the Kaupapa of Te Kōhanga Reo.
Whānau also told us that practical guidance, examples, training and support will be important as we move toward implementation. This feedback has helped shape the revised Licensing Criteria and the support that will be provided.
He aha te mahi ināianei? | Does our Kōhanga Reo need to do anything now?
No. There are no immediate actions required from Kōhanga Reo in relation to the revised Licensing Criteria.
From 1 September 2026, responsibility for ECE licensing, certification and regulatory functions transferred from the Ministry of Education to ERO. This is separate from the changes to Ngā Paearu whai Raihana mā ngā Kōhanga Reo outlined in this pānui.
Practical guidance and support will be shared with Kōhanga Reo from late 2026 to February 2027, giving whānau time to understand and prepare for the changes before the revised Licensing Criteria take effect on 1 March 2027.
We will continue to provide clear information, practical resources and support throughout this transition.
Ka nui kē atu ngā mahi? | Will this create more work?
Some Kōhanga Reo may need to make changes to existing practices or documentation, but the intention of the review is not to create unnecessary additional work.
The revised Licensing Criteria are intended to be clearer, less repetitive and easier to apply, while maintaining strong requirements for the safety and wellbeing of mokopuna.
Practical guidance, examples, training and support will be available to help whānau understand what has changed and what it means for their Kōhanga Reo.
Tautoko | Support for Kōhanga Reo
From late 2026 to February 2027, Kōhanga Reo will receive practical guidance and support to prepare for the revised Licensing Criteria. This will include:
guidance notes and practical examples
frequently asked questions
templates and tools
learning and support opportunities
support through Tari ā-Rohe.
Our aim is to make sure whānau have clear information, enough notice and the support they need to prepare with confidence.
This is the first in a series of updates. Practical guidance, tools and resources will be added progressively to a new online resource hub, giving whānau one central place to find the latest information and support.
He kōrero anō | Further information
For whānau who would like to read more about the review and the changes to Ngā Paearu whai Raihana mā ngā Kōhanga Reo, the following information is available:
Ngā Paearu Whai Raihana mō ngā Kōhanga Reo e hono ana ki Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust 2008 – the revised Licensing Criteria, now published and taking effect from 1 March 2027.
He pātai āu? | Have a question?
Please contact your local Tari ā-Rohe.
E te iwi, whātika ake, whakatika rā!
Ngā mihi nui,
Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust
Angus Hartley
Tumu Whakarae | Chief Executive Officer
Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust
HRT No.129 - The revised Ngā Paearu whai Raihana mō ngā Kōhanga Reo have now been published and will take effect on 1 March 2027. Find out what is changing and what support will be available to help whānau prepare.