Aotea Rohe, Paearu Whai Raihana Consultation Hui, 17 April 2026

Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill
 

On 23 June 2026, the Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill passed its third reading in Parliament. This legislation confirms that the regulatory functions for early childhood education, including licensing and certification, will transfer from the Ministry of Education (MoE) to the Education Review Office (ERO) by no later than 1 November 2026.
 
While this marks a significant change to how regulatory functions will be administered, it is important to reassure whānau that there are no immediate changes to the day-to-day operation of Kōhanga Reo. The MoE will continue to undertake these regulatory functions while the transition to ERO is completed.
 
Throughout this process, Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust has consistently advocated for the interests of our movement. We have reinforced the importance of ensuring that future regulatory arrangements recognise the unique nature of Te Kōhanga Reo, uphold our kaupapa, value the strong relationships that exist between Kōhanga Reo and the regulator, and provide clarity around the respective roles of the Trust, the MoE and ERO.
 
We welcome the commitment from both the MoE and ERO to continue working alongside the Trust throughout this transition. Regular engagement will continue as implementation progresses, ensuring the voices, and interests of Te Kōhanga Reo remain central to those discussions.
 
The Trust will continue to work closely with both the MoE and ERO to support a smooth transition for Kōhanga Reo. Our focus remains on ensuring that future regulatory arrangements are practical, understood by whānau, and continue to recognise the distinctive kaupapa, aspirations and strengths of Te Kōhanga Reo.

Review of Ngā Paearu Raihana mā ngā Kōhanga Reo
 

It is important to distinguish the transfer of regulatory functions from the current review of Ngā Paearu Raihana mā ngā Kōhanga Reo. While both relate to the wider regulatory environment, they are separate pieces of work.
 
Over recent months, many of you participated in consultation hui, completed surveys, provided written submissions, and shared your whakaaro on the proposed changes to the Licensing Criteria. On behalf of Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust, thank you. Your whakaaro has been instrumental in shaping the recommendations put forward to the Ministry of Education and reflects the collective aspirations of our movement.
 
The national consultation report, He Whāriki Whakaaro mō Ngā Paearu Raihana mā ngā Kōhanga Reo, has now been completed and is currently with Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust Board for its consideration and feedback. Once the Board has completed its consideration, and the Ministry's policy process allows, we look forward to sharing the report and its findings with the wider movement.
 
Your participation has ensured that the voices of whānau, Kōhanga Reo and kaupapa kaimahi are reflected throughout this work, and we acknowledge the time, commitment and whakaaro that have been generously shared across the motu.
 

Looking Ahead

As these two pieces of work continue to progress, we remain committed to keeping Kōhanga Reo informed. We will continue to provide updates as decisions are made and will share practical information to support whānau through any future changes.
While the organisation responsible for regulatory functions may change, our kaupapa does not.
 
Our commitment remains steadfast to:

• Whakamana i te reo me ngā tikanga

• Whakamana i te mokopuna me te whānau

• Whakamana i te kaupapa o Te Kōhanga Reo

These foundations continue to guide our work and our engagement with government agencies. We will continue to advocate for a regulatory environment that reflects the unique nature of Te Kōhanga Reo and strengthens the kaupapa for our whānau and mokopuna.
 
Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou mō tō koutou kaha, tō koutou ū ki te kaupapa, me tō koutou tautoko i ēnei mahi. We appreciate your continued commitment and look forward to keeping you informed as this important work continues.

“Kei a tātou anō te aratika, hei ōhākī mā ngā mokopuna”

Nāku noa, nā