Significant Week for Maori and Kōhanga Reo Claim

Significant Week for Maori and Kōhanga Reo Claim

This is a very significant week for Maori with the coronation of the Maori King and Te Kohanga Reo Trust Board’s claim for an urgent hearing taking place at the Waitangi Tribunal in Wellington on 17 and 18 August 2011.

Dame Iritana Te Rangi Tawhiwhirangi said, “The Trust Board is honoured to have the King as the Patron of Kohanga Reo, and he recently joined us on our Hikoi to file our claim with the Waitangi Tribunal”

“The Late Maori Queen Dame Atarangikahu together with the Late Sir James Henare were the initial joint patrons of the Te Kōhanga movement. They both endorsed the purpose of te kōhanga reo and guided its development over many years” said Dame Iritana Te Rangi Tawhiwhirangi.

The Trust Board has filed an urgent claim regarding the Crown’s treatment of kōhanga reo. This claim has had a long gestation period and the recent Early Childhood Taskforce Report was the final tipping point for lodging the claim. The Trust Board will present its case to the Waitangi Tribunal this Wednesday on why the kohanga reo claim should be heard urgently.

"It is so important that our case is heard urgently by the Tribunal as it is time for the Trust to give voice to the representations of the Te Kōhanga Reo Whānau in that they be allowed to operated as decreed by Maori Elders in 1982.

Co-Chair Tina Olsen-Ratana said “This is the first time in years that many of our people including Dame Iritana will not be attending the kingitana’s entire coronation as we will be at the hearing for urgency. We will be at the hearing in honour and memory of all of the leaders and pioneers of kōhanga reo who are no longer with us today.”

The Trust Board will join the coronation on Friday 19 August and will participate in the Iwi Leaders Forum where kōhanga reo will be discussed.

Timeline of events this week for Kohanga Reo

Wednesday 17 August - First day of Waitangi Tribunal hearing for urgency in Wellington

Thursday 18 August - Second day of Waitangi Tribunal for urgency hearing in Wellington

Friday 19 August - Kōhanga Reo Trustees join the coronation hui at Turangawaewae marae and participate in the Iwi Leaders Forum to discuss

kōhanga reo

Saturday 19 August - Grand Ball to celebrate the first 5 years of Te Arikinui Kingi Tuheitia’s position

Sunday 20 August - Celebration of Te Arikinui Kingi Tuheitia’s Coronation

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