Te Kōhanga Reo: Important changes to Kaupapa Funding: Last date for Mokopuna attendance logging

Ko te whakamana i te Kaupapa

“Recognition of Kōhanga Reo uniqueness – ensure appropriate kaupapa funding for kōhanga”

Kia ora e te whānau,

We want to inform you about some important changes regarding Kaupapa Funding that will take effect from March 2025. In the past, we have allowed a grace period for logging late mokopuna attendance into the EDGE system, extending up to one month after each funding round. However, the Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust Board has confirmed that this practice will be coming to an end.

Key Dates for Kaupapa Funding Rounds:

As of March 2025, whānau will no longer be able to log late or amended attendance records. The last date to submit your mokopuna attendance will be the 5th of the following month after the funding period. This means:

March Funding Round (covering October to January): Last date to log attendance is 5th February 2025.
July Funding Round (covering February to May): Last date to log attendance is 5th June 2025.
November Funding Round (covering June to September): Last date to log attendance is 5th October 2025.

Why This Change Is Necessary

Late submissions have caused significant delays in whānau receiving their funding, with some delays extending up to three months. This has impacted Kōhanga Reo operations, including the ability to meet financial obligations like paying kaimahi wages. Since 2019, late submissions have amounted to over $17 million in delayed funding.

Impacts of Late and Amended mokopuna attendance records

Late and amended mokopuna attendance records have significant impacts on the effective operation of Kōhanga Reo. When whānau delay or submit incorrect attendance after the deadline, it directly affects funding, which can compromise the resources and support available for mokopuna, kaiako, and the wider Kōhanga community. This goes against the principle of Whaioranga as it undermines the ability to provide a nurturing and stable environment that supports the holistic well-being of mokopuna.

Additionally, it disrupts the principle of Kei te Whānau te Mana Whakahaere, as whānau are unable to fully exercise their governance and decision-making power if the necessary resources aren’t available in a timely manner. This affects their ability to make strategic decisions to ensure their Kōhanga operates smoothly.

From a cultural standpoint, failing to meet deadlines compromises Te Reo me ōna Tikanga, as inconsistent funding may affect access to resources necessary for maintaining high-quality immersion environments. Finally, it challenges the core values of Kia Tika, Kia Pono, as timeliness and accuracy are essential to upholding honesty and integrity within the Kōhanga system.

What You Need to Do

To ensure you meet the new deadlines:

Make sure your whānau has 2–3 people who are familiar with entering attendance into the EDGE system.
Reach out to your purapura or Tari-a-Rohe for awhi if you need help completing your attendance records.

By adhering to these deadlines, we can ensure that your Kōhanga Reo receives the funding on time, helping to create a smoother and more efficient process for everyone involved.

Ngā mihi nui,
Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust

”Kei te whānau te mana kawenga i tēnei mahi me ngā whakaritenga
kia tau mā te katoa o te whānau hei whakamahi”