Ohakune's Kohanga Reo

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 260, 25 October 1988, Page 12

Ohakune's Kohanga Reo

BYTERESA O'CONNOR Ohakune children who go to Kohanga Reo are taught the same things others learn at kindergarten, but with a Maori perspective. The unit began in 1983 on the Maungarongo Marae and was established by the tangata whenua (local people from the tribe) for Maori and Pakeha children. Head teacher Biddy Mareikura says they learn waiatas (songs), games, karakia (prayers) and read from books written in Maori. There are 15 children

on the Kohanga Reo role. Most start from two years on and some stay till as late as six. After that, they go to the local primary school as bi-lingual children fluent in both Maori and English. The unit is now in its second year of using a new building on the Maungarongo Marae. Mrs Mareikura says that the building erected by the men from the Marae is a great asset. It has a large room where the children learn, a smaller room where they sleep (whare moe), one where they eat (whare kai) and a bathroom (whare iti).

It also has an enclosed backyard where they can play, although they also play on the grounds around the marae.

The Kohanga Reo unit has two permanent teachers, and two parents are rostered on each week to help at the centre.