Te Kōhanga Reo: Māori Language Immersion ECE in NZ

Te Kōhanga Reo (often shortened to "kōhanga") is a form of early childhood education where te reo Māori is the language of the day. Tamariki learn through play, relationships, waiata, stories, and routines, but the difference is that the language and cultural framework are kaupapa Māori.

Kōhanga are also whānau-led. The Ministry of Education describes the operation and administration of each kōhanga as the responsibility of kōhanga whānau, with the Trust Board recognised as kaitiaki (guardian) and steward of the kōhanga reo movement. (Source: MoE ECE Funding Handbook — 3-C-4 Te kōhanga reo)

Te Kōhanga Reo began in 1982, created as a direct response to the decline of te reo Māori. The founding mission is simple to say, and hard to do: put te reo Māori back into the mouths and ears of the youngest generation, in places where it is normal and expected.

For many whānau, kōhanga is also about reclaiming confidence. Parents and caregivers often learn alongside tamariki, picking up reo, tikanga, and ways of being together that feel different to a standard early learning centre.

Every kōhanga has its own rhythm, but the common thread is whānau responsibility. In many kōhanga, whānau contribute time in the programme, help with kai, cleaning, fundraising, maintenance, admin, or governance. Some kōhanga have a roster; others have set roles.

This is worth thinking about early. For some families, it is exactly what they want: a community you belong to, not a service you buy. For others, shift work, new babies, or no local support can make the time commitment hard.

Most kōhanga welcome tamariki from birth through to school entry (often described as 0–6 years). You’ll usually see mixed-age play, with older tamariki learning care and leadership, and younger tamariki soaking up the language through everyday repetition.

You’ll still see the familiar ECE foundations: free play, outdoor time, messy play, books, puzzles, kai, sleep for the little ones. What can feel different is the shape of the day and the shared rituals.

Parents usually talk about the benefits in two layers: the language itself, and everything that comes with it.

If you’re not a speaker, don’t assume you’ll "ruin it" at home. Plenty of whānau start as learners. What helps is a plan that feels doable: a few routines in reo, a playlist of waiata, labels around the house, or a regular kōrero time with someone who is confident.

No. Te Kōhanga Reo is part of Māori language revitalisation, so it’s grounded in kaupapa Māori, but kōhanga are generally open to any family that will support the kaupapa respectfully.

If you’re not Māori, it’s normal to feel unsure about whether you ‘belong’. The best thing to do is visit, listen, and ask what support looks like in that kōhanga. Some kōhanga will have a strong expectation that whānau are present and contributing; others may be set up differently.

Fees vary a lot between kōhanga. Some charge low weekly contributions; others have higher fees because of rent, staffing, kai, or transport. The cleanest way to compare is to ask for a written breakdown of what is included.

Also ask about the difference between a donation and an optional charge. The Ministry says donations are voluntary and cannot be required or described as fees. Optional charges can apply if you agree to them in the enrolment agreement. (Source: MoE 20 Hours ECE info)

Kōhanga staffing looks different across the motu. Some kōhanga have more qualified kaiako on the floor; others rely more on whānau contribution alongside kaiako, especially in smaller communities.

One place parents can start is the Ministry of Education’s funding handbook section for kōhanga reo. It lists a pathway for kōhanga to meet a "quality funding" requirement, including ratios of 1:4 for under-2s and 1:6 for age 2+, and it names recognised kōhanga qualifications (Whakapakari Tino Rangatiratanga Diploma / Te Paetahi Degree). (Source: MoE — 3-C-4 Te kōhanga reo)

Parents often hear these terms used loosely, but they are not the same thing. The labels can also be used differently by different organisations, so treat this as a starting point and ask each service what their language policy is in practice.

Start with our care type page and search tools, then confirm details directly with the kōhanga.

Many areas have kōhanga with long waitlists, limited hours, or fewer spaces for pēpi. The reasons are practical: recruiting fluent kaiako, funding pressures, and the time it takes to sustain a whānau-led model when families are stretched.

If there isn’t a kōhanga near you (or it’s not workable right now), consider a stepping-stone. Some families start in a bilingual Reo Rua programme, then move to kōhanga later. Others do kōhanga part-time and use another service for the extra hours.

If you’re comparing options, our main guide to childcare types can help you put kōhanga alongside kindergartens, daycares, Playcentre, and home-based care: Types of childcare in NZ: a complete guide.