April 11, 2014
King’s kohanga hui clearing the way forward
More than 1000 people have gathered at Turangawaewae Marae in Ngaruawahia for a hui which could set the future direction of kohanga reo.
The hui was called by King Tuheitia to address concerns arising from growing dissatisfaction in parts of the movement about the role and structure of the Kohanga Reo National Trust in overseeing Maori language nests.
Allegations of misspending in the trust’s commercial subsidiary and census figures showing the number of Maori language speakers is again in decline are also causing concern.
Hui facilitator Tukoroirangi Morgan says it’s not a talk fest.
"In the face of what has happened over the past few weeks ands the allegations that have been flying, this is a time to clear the air, a time for our people to have their say, and that is exactly what the king has provided, a forum for people to come and clear the air, to not only bring their despair and their disappointment but also of shape a new way forward," he says.
Mr Morgan says those running kohanga reo today are conscious they need to uphold the legacy of the elders who started the movement to give tamariki Maori a foundation in te reo.
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