Raetihi Kohanga Reo growing

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 430, 31 March 1992, Page 2

Raetihi Kohanga Reo growing

Raetihi's Mo Te Whanau Kohanga Reo have bought their building at 32 Queen Street. While it has been operating for the last two years, it has recently been restructured with new personnel. They had been renting the building for the last eighteen months. Now there is much work to be done in upgrading the facility and that is happening at the moment. Mo Te Whanau also feel fortunate that they have a new Kaiako who is affiliated to Tuhoe and speaks Te Reo Maori fluently. The children attending will have the opportunity to learn Te Reo Maori me nga tikanga under his guidance. Mo Te Whanau is committed to meet the requirements of each Whanau affiliated so

children may feel comfortable and able to pursue their various traditional tikanga, said a spokesperson. This will be implemented with the total input from parents and support from Whanau. According to its Kaupapa (mission charter) Mo Te Whanau is dedicated to uphold the high ideals for their tamariki. Health is a top priority at the Kohanga Reo and practical steps are being taken to encourage and inform the Whanau of a healthier lifestyle. Smoking is not allowed in or around the kohanga. Incoming parents, grandparents and interested Whanau (family) are invited to take part in the day to day running of the Kohanga Reo and to be directly involved and concerned for their little ones' welfare and progress. However if this is not possible, parents may leave children over two years of age if they are potty

trained. Contact phone numbers and addresses must be left. Also, all medical and special needs requirements need to be filed confidentially with the Kohanga administrator. Costs are very reasonable and low

income/beneficiary families are catered for, said the spokesperson. The Mo Te Whanau (For all the Family) Kohanga Reo have a small but fully operational center running and would like to invite people

looking at an alternative preschool for their children, to see what they have to offer. From birth to six years old, hours are from 9am to 3pm. For further information ring 385-4305 and ask for Bessina.