July 18, 2021
Kohanga Reo pushes for wage parity
Kōhanga Reo kaiako face an uphill battle trying to get pay parity with other early childhood teachers, let alone with their primary school colleagues.
The primary teachers union NZEI Te Riu Roa is running a campaign, Te Ake Rautangi, calling for kaimahi in kōhanga reo to be paid fairly.
But Kōhanga Reo National Trust co-chair Daniel Proctor says fewer than 5 per cent of kaiako are union members, and it’s been up to the trust to advocate for them.
He says NZEI Te Riu Roa could help by supporting their push for the Teaching Council to recognise the kohanga reo teaching qualification, Te Tohu Whakapakari Tino Rangatiratanga – something its predecessor the Teachers Council refused to do.
"It's about recognition of three years of hard work our kaiako have put into gaining the tohu along with the mahi they do within kōhanga reo and the significant impact they make in the lives of our mokopuna," Mr Proctor says.
Ultimately he would like to see a Māori education authority to fund kohanga reo and kura kaupapa Māori.
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