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Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 6, 2 July 1985, Page 20

Work has recently begun on a new building for the Te Kohanga Reo, or Maori language nest, at the Ohakune Marae. The outer shell is being completed by Quin Garages of Palmerston North and the inside work will be done by volunteers. The outer shell cost $ 1 3,000 and the money came from donations from Maori Affairs, Lotteries Board, Telethon '83, Whanganui Trust and from Catholic parishes throughout the Central North Island, including Wanganui East, Napier, Waiouru, Hastings and Palmerston North. The children are presently being taught in a small room which is usually used by teenagers. Co-ordinator for the Kohanga trainees, Mrs Joan Akapita, sayS the new building will be more convenient

for thfe children and will have its own facilities. Kohanga has been operating in Ohakune for 2Vi years

and has six paid trainees who look after the children. Kohanga now has a roll of 22 children.

A number of parents also help with cooking and supervision of the children.