Who can be nominated

Nominated candidates should embody the kaupapa of Te Kōhanga Reo and demonstrate a strong commitment to serving our mokopuna, whānau and the wider movement. In particular, candidates should:

· be actively involved in the Kōhanga Reo movement

· demonstrate strong leadership and uphold the values of whānau, reo and tikanga

· have the capability to contribute to the strategic direction and governance responsibilities of the National Trust Board

· be prepared to complete the full application process, including a statutory declaration and police vetting, if they progress beyond the initial selection stage.

The PDF document outlines the full Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust Board Member criteria.

Before confirming your nominee, please also read the Guidelines for choosing a Board nominee to support a fair and well-informed decision.

All candidates must meet the eligibility requirements set out in clause 6.11 of the Trust Deed and comply with the process and timelines for the 2026 elections.
 

Seats available in this election

As outlined in the earlier pānui, five trustees will be elected to the Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust Board in 2026, one 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
 

How to complete Step 1: Whānau nominations

Once your whānau hui has agreed on a nominee, please complete the nomination form in the linked Board Elections Process: Step One document. Ensure the following components are included:

1. Kōhanga Reo and nominee details

Provide all Kōhanga Reo information, key contact details and the full name of your proposed candidate in the spaces provided.

2. Whānau confirmation and signatures

In the section titled We, Te Whānau o…, record the Kōhanga Reo name, Purapura, rohe, and the name of the candidate being put forward. The following roles must sign the form on behalf of the Kōhanga Reo whānau:

· Chairperson
· Kaiwhakarite
· Whānau Representative

3. Consent of candidate

The candidate must complete and sign the Consent of candidate section, confirming they accept the nomination and understand that a full application, including a statutory declaration and police vetting, will be required if they progress beyond the initial selection stage.

4. Whānau hui minutes

Attach a copy of the signed whānau hui minutes that record the decision to nominate the candidate.

Please ensure that all sections of the form are completed and that the form and minutes are submitted together. Incomplete or partially submitted documentation may cause delays or result in the nomination being deemed invalid.
 

How and where to send your nomination

Email the completed nomination form and a copy of your signed whānau hui minutes to: [email protected]

· Nominations open: 12 January 2026
· Nominations close: 5pm, 12 February 2026

Nominations received after 5pm on 12 February 2026 cannot be accepted.
 

What happens next

Once Step 1 has closed, nominations will progress through the remaining stages of the election process. These include Purapura shortlisting, Kāhui Kaumātua shortlisting (where required), and online voting by Te Kōhanga Reo whānau on the shortlisted candidates. The Board will publish the election results, including the names of the successful candidates, by the end of April 2026.

Full information about the 2026 Board elections, including the Trust Deed, guidelines, forms and key dates, are available on the Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust Board Elections 2026 page on the Kōhanga Reo website.

Pātai?

If you have any questions about Step 1 or the wider election process, please contact:

Te Rangipaia Serepisos or Nicola Bonica
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0800 564 2642 (press 0 to be transferred to the BOT team)

Pono ki te kaupapa, Puna ko te Reo.
Mauri ora ki a tātou katoa.

Noho ora mai i roto i ngā manaakitanga o te wā.