Listen Now: 
Download AudioFormer Kohanga Reo National Trust head Dame Iritana Tawhiwhirangi says the future of the movement is in excellent hands.
Kohanga Reo is celebrating 40 years since the first Maori language nest were set up to give tamariki the chance to have te reo Maori as their first language.
Dame Iritana says the first graduates are now its champions.
“I’ve got no concerns about the next 40 years. I’ll tell you why. The next 40 years are now being driven by the mokopuna – they’re in their 30s and 40s – and are now driving the kaupapa. I have no concerns because they are strong and will look after the next 40 yearsThe Freshwater Iwi Leaders Group is opposing a proposed national Maori entity which will be set up as part of the rewrite of the Resource Management Act.The Government yesterday introduced the Natural and Built Environment and the Spatial Planning Bills that will replace the RMA.They include the national Maori entity to monitor the impact of the new laws on treaty settlements and provide input into national planning frameworks.Freshwater Iwi Leaders Group chair, Rukumoana Schaafhausen says while iwi back some aspects of the reform.
Rukumoana Schaafhausen says the group is also concerned at the ability of iwi and hapu to participate meaningfully in the new regime.” she says.
Dame Iritana says commitment by whanau to the kaupapa, not money, is behind the success and longevity of Kohanga Reo.
RELATED NEWS
