Kōhanga Reo centres in New Zealand

Kōhanga reo are language nests that care for young children in a Māori cultural environment. Lessons are conducted in te reo Māori (Māori language) and there’s a focus on social development for all ages.

There are many early childhood education services and kōhanga reo available to families, and how they’re run depends on whether they’re teacher-led, parent-led or whānau-led (family-led).  Here we look at what these distinctions mean in practice and see how quality is assured whether teachers, parents or whānau are leading the learning.

Languages are an important part of who we are as people and our cultural identity. They help us communicate, educate, integrate socially and link us to our individual identity, traditional culture and memory.

To help your little one get off to a great start, here are some ways to prepare them for life at an early childhood education service and support them during the settling-in period.

'We investigate how quality early childhood education and care is delivered in different settings, and what parents can do if they’re concerned about something.