Celebrating Our Kōhanga Reo Whānau: Preparing for a Brighter Future

The journey to re-establish a Kōhanga Reo in Te Tai o Poutini has been a long and meaningful one, and we are thrilled to see the incredible efforts of our kōhanga whānau as they work tirelessly to bring this dream to life. It has been many years since we had a kōhanga reo here, and the anticipation of a new purpose-built whare at Hokitika School fills our hearts with joy and excitement.

This initiative is more than just a building; it’s a space that will enrich the lives of our mums and pēpi, where our beautiful language and culture will flourish once again. The return of Kōhanga Reo represents a deep reconnection to our roots, our reo, and the dreams our tūpuna held for our mokopuna.

A heartfelt ngā mihi to Miri, Ru, Jade, and Katrina for your unwavering dedication and hard mahi. You have been upskilling yourselves, completing papers, and preparing to lead this kaupapa with mana. Your commitment to ensuring we have trained kaimahi ready for this space is nothing short of inspiring. The knowledge and passion you bring will help create a nurturing and culturally rich environment for our tamariki and whānau.

Next year promises even more growth as we welcome new kaimahi into this kaupapa. Together, we are building a future where our language, tikanga, and values are woven into the fabric of our daily lives.

As we look forward to opening the doors of our new kōhanga reo, we reflect on the importance of this journey—not just for today, but for the generations yet to come. We are reclaiming and revitalizing the treasures of our culture and ensuring that our tamariki grow up with the knowledge and pride of who they are and where they come from.

Thank you again, Miri, Ru, Jade, and Katrina, for leading the way. We can’t wait to watch your progress and stand alongside you as this kaupapa continues to grow. The future is bright for Te Tai o Poutini, and we are ready to roll!

Toitū Te Mokopuna!