17 October 2013

Immediate Release

NZEI supports Kohanga Reo teachers and whanau

Te Kohanga Reo has made enormous progress in nurturing Te Reo Maori since its inception 32 years ago and NZEI Te Riu Roa is hopeful that current allegations will not derail the excellent work being done at all levels of the movement.

The allegations of misuse of funds by some board representatives have left Kohanga Reo kaiako (teachers) and families in shock.

Laures Park, Matua Takawaenga for NZEI, said members she had spoken to were still reeling from the claims and it would be for the benefit of all involved if the ministry-commissioned audit was undertaken as quickly as possible.

“Our sympathy is with the kaiako, children and whanau who have been caught up in this distressing situation. Whatever the outcome of the audit, it would be devastating if there was resulting damage to the wonderful work of Kohanga Reo in saving and promoting Te Reo Maori,” she said.

“More than 9000 children attend Kohanga Reo, representing five per cent of all children in early childhood education. Since it began, Kohanga Reo has been the most significant and effective initiative undertaken by Maori to secure their language and tikanga. We stand by the Kaiako, whanau and tamariki of Kohanga Reo and support them in this testing time.”

ENDS

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