July 20, 2021
Teachers’ union backs Kohanga Reo in qualification fight
Education union NZEI Te Riu Roa is backing Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust's campaign to have its three-year qualification, Tohu Whakapakari, recognised as a teaching qualification by the Ministry of Education and NZQA.
Matua Takawaenga Laures Park says the union's members in kōhanga reo have valuable skills in Te Reo and Te Ao Māori that are essential for tamariki and they should be properly recognised and remunerated.
She says the Ministry and the Qualifications Authority have been dodging the issue of approving an indigenous qualification for more than 20 years.
NZEI Te Riu Roa has launched a separate pay equity claim on behalf of its members working in kōhanga reo, which will cover the need for Tohu Whakapakari to be recognised as a teaching qualification.
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