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Transport safety and compliance for Kōhanga Reo
“Kei ia mokopuna te mana whakarite kia hari pai tōna whaioranga, kia rongo i te āhurutanga o tōna taiao, ā, kia ātawhai i roto i te poho o tōna whānau.”
“It is the right of each mokopuna to enjoy good health, to be nurtured and protected in a safe environment cloaked in Te Kōhanga Reo korowai of freedom, dignity and respect.”
Te Korowai 1995. Pg 20
Kia ora e te whānau,
Mātua rautia te haumarutanga o ā tātou mokopuna.
The safety and wellbeing of our mokopuna is our highest priority. We want to share an important update with whānau about transport safety and compliance for Kōhanga Reo across the motu.
Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust (the Trust) holds a Transport Service Licence with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. This licence supports kōhanga to transport mokopuna safely to and from Kōhanga Reo.
Following a national review, Waka Kotahi has issued the Trust with a Notice of Improvement. This means there are transport compliance matters that now need to be addressed carefully and with urgency.
This is not a suspension of transport services. However, all legal and safety requirements still need to be met. There are no temporary exemptions while this mahi is being worked through.
The review has highlighted key areas where Kōhanga may need to check or strengthen compliance. These include:
Kaitaraiwa
Drivers transporting mokopuna need to hold a current Passenger (P) endorsement. This includes checks by Waka Kotahi around police vetting, medical assessments and driving history.
Waka
Waka used to transport mokopuna need to be correctly registered and classified for passenger use, either as a Large Passenger Service Licence (LPSL) waka for 12 seats or more, including the driver, or a Small Passenger Service Licence (SPSL) waka for 12 seats or fewer, including the driver. Waka also need to meet required safety standards, including a Certificate of Fitness (CoF) where required, and be safe and fit for purpose.
These requirements are in place to protect mokopuna, whānau, kaimahi and everyone using the road. Where transport requirements are not met, enforcement action may occur, including fines or waka being taken off the road.
The Trust is now working closely with Waka Kotahi, Tari-ā-Rohe, Kōhanga Reo and whānau to review transport arrangements, strengthen guidance and support Kōhanga through the next steps.
There are many waka and drivers across the motu, so this is a significant piece of mahi. Some Kōhanga Reo may be able to address requirements quickly while others may need more time and support. What is important now is that all Kōhanga Reo take this matter seriously and begin working through what is required.
A follow-up pānui will be shared with more detailed information, including the key compliance steps, helpful links, forms and guidance. This information will also be made available on the Kōhanga Reo website so whānau can refer back to it as needed.
We thank whānau and Kōhanga Reo for your patience, cooperation and support as we work together to keep our mokopuna safe.
Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou mō tō koutou tautoko.
Nā mātou,
Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust
Endorsed by the CE's Office
Angus Hartley
Tumu Whakarae | Chief Executive Officer
Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust
HRT No.114 - An important update for whānau about transport safety, Waka Kotahi requirements and next steps for kōhanga across the motu.