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Transport safety and compliance, what Kōhanga Reo whānau need to do now
“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,
We recently shared a pānui about transport safety and compliance for Kōhanga Reo across the motu. This follow up pānui gives more practical direction on what Kōhanga Reo whānau need to focus on now.
Following a national review, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency issued Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust (the Trust) with a Notice of Improvement. Waka Kotahi has advised that the priority is to ensure Kaitaraiwa (drivers) who transport mokopuna are compliant.
This mahi needs to be worked through carefully and with urgency. It is about keeping mokopuna safe, supporting whānau and ensuring Kōhanga Reo transport services are safe, legal and fit for purpose.
What Kōhanga Reo whānau need to focus on first:
1. Kaitaraiwa (Drivers) Passenger (P) Endorsement
Kōhanga Reo whānau should now identify all Kaitaraiwa who transport mokopuna and confirm they are eligible to apply for a Passenger (P) endorsement, which requires a full driver licence held for more than two years.
2. Check your waka
The Compliance team will work alongside each Kōhanga Reo whānau to ensure waka used for mokopuna or passenger transport are registered under the correct Vehicle type and Vehicle classification.
Useful Links related to waka
Vehicle Types
Large Passenger Service License (LPSL) - 12 seats or more, including the driver
Small Passenger Service License (SPSL) - 12 seats or under, including the driver
Vehicle Usage
Both vehicle types should be classified as Taxi/Commercial.
Change from a Warrant of Fitness (WOF) to a Certificate of Fitness (COF)
Should the Vehicle Type require a classification change to an LPSL or SPSL, then the waka must undergo an inspection to obtain a Certificate of Fitness (CoF). A CoF can be obtained from a licensing agent (i.e. VTNZ or AA), where these services are provided.
Estimated costs of change
The estimated costs of change are shown below. These are provided as a guide and may need to be confirmed with the relevant licensing agent or provider.
3. Check safe travel practices and systems
Alongside Kaitaraiwa and waka checks, Kōhanga Reo whānau should continue to ensure safe travel practices are in place.
This means:
Using correctly fitted approved child restraints and seatbelts,
Following road rules and speed limits,
Keeping clear records, and
Having processes for reporting incidents, concerns, or complaints.
Where to find guidance and support
A website resource page has been created to bring the key information together in one place. This page includes links to Waka Kotahi forms, factsheets and guidance for P endorsements, waka classification, passenger service requirements, work time, medical requirements and Certificate of Fitness information.
Whānau will need to log in to the Kōhanga Reo website to view the page using their kōhanga email address and password.
Website login link: www.kohanga.ac.nz/login
Once logged in, whānau can return to this pānui and click the website resource page link to access the page.
If Kōhanga Reo whānau is unsure where to start, please email the team supporting this important kaupapa: [email protected]
The Trust will continue to work with Waka Kotahi, Tari ā-Rohe, Kōhanga Reo and whānau as this mahi progresses. Some Kōhanga Reo whānau may be able to complete these steps quickly. Others may need more time and support. What matters now is that all Kōhanga Reo whānau begin checking their Kaitaraiwa and waka requirements.
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.115 - Does your kōhanga transport mokopuna? This pānui outlines the key checks needed for kaitaraiwa, waka and safe travel compliance.