Kohanga reo funding doesn’t 'go far enough'

Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust says its 2020 budget funding isn’t enough, despite a $200 million boost.

The Associate Education Minister, Kelvin Davis, says the funding will ensure kaiako are paid fairly and learning facilities are in good condition to support the revitalisation of te reo Māori.

But Sonny Thomas, change manager of the national trust, says there is still a long way to go.

“There is a significant gap between what kindergarten and other teacher-led services receive, compared to kōhanga reo,” said Mr Thomas.

He said recent funding for early childhood centres had widened the gap because kōhanga reo missed out on additional funding because the qualifications held by their kaiako were not governmentally recognised.

“There is a long way to go before we achieve equity,” he said.

Mr Davis said securing the future of tamariki, tikanga and te reo was an important response to COVID-19.

“Kōhanga reo always have and always will play an important part in securing our future as Māori.

“For too long they have not been acknowledged for the important role they play in educating our tamariki,” said Mr Davis.

Mr Thomas said kōhanga reo were important for preserving and maintaining Māori culture.

“It’s about finding intrinsic value in Te Reo Māori and about making sure that the transmission of Te Reo is happening with our youngest so we can rebuild the language.”

AUDIO: Click here to listen to Sonny Thomas, from the Te Koranga Reo National Trust, speak about what the funding means for the trust.