October 18, 2012
Te Kohanga Reo key to survival of Maori language
The deputy chair of Te Kohanga Reo National Trust says the Waitangi Tribunal's confirmation the movement is key to the survival of the Maori language will put pressure on the Government to give it the support it needs.
The trust took the claim because of long-standing concerns about under-funding and interference by the Ministry of Education.
Tony Waho says the movement has fought to maintain its original kaupapa of passing on the language and culture against the perception by officials that it was a Maori subset of the early childhood education framework.
"Our elders, our nannies, our kuia – who've kept this movement ignited through their passion and aroha for our language and our culture, have been expected to line up alongside university graduates – and it's entirely inappropriate."
Tony Waho says a recommendation for an independent advisor to oversee the relationship between kohanga, the Education Minister and Te Puni Kokiri should lead to better understanding and commitment by Crown agencies.