On Friday 14th March the Mataatua rohe welcomed ākonga and their whānau to the annual Mataatua Korowaitanga, hosted by the descendants of Ngāti Awa ki Rangitaiki at Tuteao Marae.

Here, two long standing members of the Kōhanga Reo movement were presented with an honourary Te Tohu Mātauranga Whakapakari Tino Rangatiratanga as acknowledgement of their work in Kōhanga Reo and their unwavering support of the movement in its 40+ years.

Phillip Marshall and Tei Nohotima are both hard working, giving and dedicated kaupapa men who have contributed to the success of the kaupapa, and the success of many ākonga who have graduated with a Kōhanga Reo tohu. They are both very honoured to receive their tohu and have expressed their love for the kaupapa, and are very excited to see what the next 40 years of Kōhanga reo has to offer as they continue their work in the kaupapa to help more whānau on their journey.

Mereana Dakin is a recipient of the Ngarimu VC Master of Education Research scholarship.

Mereana is currently studying towards a Master of Specialist Teaching – Te Korowai Mokopuna at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa | Massey University. She is a former student of St Joseph’s Māori Girls’ College in Ahuriri | Napier, a mokopuna of Te Kōhanga Reo o Maraeroa and Horouta, and is an integral member of 
Te Korowai Manaaki at Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust.

Mereana shares that this scholarship will provide her with new opportunities and enable her to build meaningful connections with others.

“This scholarship will also allow me to focus more on my learning and share my experiences with my whānau and community. In doing so, we all benefit, learn and grow together.”

She expresses being truly humbled to receive the Ngarimu scholarship and is grateful for the opportunity to continue her educational journey, guided by the values that are deeply important to her and her whānau.

“Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa and the soldiers of the 28th (Māori) Battalion showed bravery, courage and determination. Their legacy has inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and apply for this award.”

Mereana hopes to instil many of the qualities embodied by Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa and the 28th (Māori) Battalion in the tamariki mokopuna she teaches, empowering them to stand strong in this changing world.

“Ko ngā mokopuna te take, mō ngā mokopuna te take.”

The Ikaroa Korowaitanga was a powerful celebration of unity, whakapapa and the ongoing commitment to Te Kōhanga Reo. Held at Maraeroa Marae in Porirua, the occasion recognised the achievements of our ākonga and honoured the legacy of those who helped shape this kaupapa from the very beginning.

What made this year’s event especially meaningful was the deep sense of connection among the graduates. As Board Member Peggy Luke-Ngaheke shared, “There was a oneness about them, something you can’t teach or create, it just happens.” That spirit was clearly felt, and many believed it was carried by the presence of those who had passed, including Dame Iritana Tawhiwhirangi, whose photo was brought to the ceremony.

It was a day filled with pride and emotion with kaumātua, kuia, whānau and mokopuna standing together to celebrate success. For some graduates, the journey had come full circle, having once been babies in kōhanga themselves. Now, they’re stepping forward to lead and serve the kaupapa for the next generation.

Peggy reminded us that as we move into the fifth decade of Te Kōhanga Reo, we must continue to look to the example of those who helped establish this movement in its earliest days, the nanny generation who laid the foundation. They may not have come through formal academic systems, but they led with wisdom, humility, and an unwavering dedication to mokopuna.

That same spirit is needed today. Respect. Humility. Excellence without compromise, especially when it comes to our tamariki.

To all the graduates, trainers, kaimahi and whānau who helped make this day so memorable – thank you. Your aroha and dedication breathe life into our kaupapa and ensure the reo and tikanga continue to thrive through each generation.

Click here to view more photos from the day.

Dr Hoana McMillan is a mokopuna and a graduate of Te Kōhanga Reo o Rotokawa. Her parents are some of the founding members of Kōhanga Reo and her grandmother, Hoana Pomare, was one of the very first teachers of the Kōhanga Reo movement.

Hoana’s mother, Leah McMillan worked for Kōhanga Reo in the Waiariki/Tuwharetoa region in the early years of the Kōhanga Reo movement and continues to be involved in the kaupapa today. Last year, Hoana McMillan graduated as a Doctor with the University of Waikato.

Her thesis “ Te Pā Harakeke: Education Sucess within Kōhanga Reo” is a research paper that looks at 3 generations of Kōhanga reo. Beginning with the grandparents (parents of the first generation of Kōhanga Reo), manu pīrere of Kōhanga reo and their children.

Capturing the stories and life experiences of the first group of parents was a calling of the heart, from the stories about having no Kōhanga Reo kaupapa, to its inception and finally to the present time with a keen view on the future of our kaupapa.

Gratitude and heartfelt thanks to the families whose words will echo through the ages:

• Te whānau Nuri

• Te whānau Mihaka

• Te whānau Webster

• Te whānau Haimona

• Te whānau Mason

To compliment her thesis, Dr Hoana has also written a report that discusses the assessment and observation of mokopuna in the kaupapa from a Kōhanga Reo perspective.

This is a deep discussion that focuses on the use of Te Whāriki as the framework for Kōhanga Reo, and it articulates a Māori perspective on the work created for mokopuna. We draw from the lesson plans of Kōhanga reo to achieve our objectives, so that we can weave and connect the words and actions of our mokopuna to ngā taumata whakahirahira o Te Whāriki.

Dr Hoana McMillan is the board representative for Waiariki/Tūwharetoa.

Click here to read Dr Hoana McMillan’s thesis: Te pā harakeke: Educational success and Kōhanga Reo

Click here to read Dr Hoana McMillan’s report: Mātai mokopuna: He tirohanga wairua, hinengaro, tinana, whatumanawa.

Kaupapa Kaimahi Hui ā-Motu 2025 – Working Better Together

From 10–14 March 2025, kaimahi from across the motu gathered at Clearways Training Centre in Tamahere for the Kaupapa Kaimahi Hui ā-Motu 2025, a time to connect, reflect, and strengthen our collective mahi under the theme ‘Working Better Together’.

This hui provided space for robust kōrero on key kaupapa including pay parity, property, and improving internal systems. But more than that, the wānanga reinforced our shared purpose: delivering better outcomes for our tamariki, our whānau, and our movement. The focus on kotahitanga (unity) was clear throughout, with an emphasis on how we, as kaimahi, can support each other to serve our kōhanga more effectively.

Throughout the hui, we were privileged to hear from Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust leaders, including:

• Tumu Whakarae Angus Hartley, who opened the hui and set the kaupapa

• Mihi Tashkoff – Pou Whakarehu (Strategy & Relationships)

• Titia Graham – Pou Whakangungu ā-Motu (Training & Development)

• Heke Huata – Pou Whakahaere ā-Motu (Operations & Delivery)

Their presentations offered valuable updates and insights, grounding us in the direction of the movement and providing tools to help each of us in our roles.

While the days were full of kōrero and discussion, there was also time for connection through waiata, kapa haka, and whakawhanaungatanga – including some light-hearted games and shared laughter. A special highlight was welcoming the Waikato Junior Development Team for the Chiefs, whose camp mother, a proud Kōhanga graduate from Te Kōhanga Reo o Ōtaki, is also a Manu Pīrere. Her presence reminded us of the strength and reach of the kaupapa, and the lasting impact of Kōhanga Reo on future generations.

This hui was a reminder of the power of coming together as kaimahi – sharing ideas, facing challenges, and moving forward as one.

He Maunga Ka Taea

Nō te marama o Maehe puta ai te rongo e hokona atu ana a Kahuranaki, tētahi o ngā tīpuna maunga o te iwi o Ngāti Kahungunu.

Kua whakaarahia ake tētahi kaupapa kohi pūtea mō Kahuranaki e Kelly-Aroha Huata, uri o Ngāti Kahungunu, kaimahi hoki mō te tari ā rohe o Kahungunu, ko ‘He Maunga Ka Taea’ te ingoa, ka mutu, ko te whainga nui kia hoki Māori atu a maunga Kahuranaki ki ngā ringaringa o tōna iwi.

Mehemea e aroha ana koe ki te reo Māori, ki ngā tikanga, ki ngā taonga Māori me te ahurea Māori, e aroha ana koe ki a Maunga Kahurānaki, inara, he toronga tēnei o tā te iwi Māori whai kia pupurutia e tātou te mana Māori motuhake me te tino rangatiratanga.

Mehemea e taea ana e koe tētahi koha te te tuku atu ki te kaupapa, haere ki te paehono kei raro iho nei...

E te iwi, the time is now!

Maunga Kahurānaki is up for tender.

Recent statistics show that the Māori economy has grown to $32 billion

Now, we can bring Kahurānaki maunga back into Māori ownership. Together, we can make this a reality.

We are looking at a toa takitini “crowdfunding” approach which allows us to raise pūtea without relying on traditional funding sources. We are seeking the support of every day whānau to jump on the kaupapa and collectively contribute to the return of Kahurānaki to its descendants.

We can and we will show our tamariki that it’s possible to reclaim whenua, one maunga at a time.

How can you help?

If 40,000 people contribute $300, we will reach our goal. Whether as an individual or a whānau, every koha counts!

Other ways to support:

• Host a fundraiser – as a whānau, marae, kura, kapa haka, sports team, or community group

• Follow & share – help spread the word across your networks

• Stay connected – keep an eye on our social media for fundraising opportunities

Please note that all koha received are for non-profit purposes only. Your contribution will be used solely to support the return of Kahurānaki Maunga to its descendants and no part of the funds will be used for personal or individual gain. We are committed to transparency and accountability in the use of all koha/donations.

If you wish to speak to someone directly, please contact Kelly-Aroha Huata via email: [email protected]

In the event our purchase of Kahurānaki is unsuccessful all koha excluding any fees/transaction fees will be returned to the card that made each deposit.

We got this – whitiki tauā!

Click here to visit He Maunga Ka Taea - Let’s get Kahurānaki back into Māori Ownership koha website

Click here to view video interview on Facebook.

Kua huraina he mahi toi whakamaumahara i ā Wi Te Tau Huata te Minita o Te Hokowhitu ā Tū

I huraina e te whānau me ngā mōrehu hōia o te rohe tētahi mahi toi mō tētahi o ngā minita o ngā pakanga tuarua o te Ao ki Waipatu Marae, Heretaunga.

Ko Wiremu ‘Wi’ Te Tau Huata te hōia kua peitahia e Matt Gauldie, he tohunga ringa toi mō te ope taua. Nā te roopu “Ngā Whakamaumaharatanga Mai - Ngā Uri Whakakeke a Tūmatauenga” (New Zealand Remembrance Army) i whakarite, ka mutu, i tākohatia te pikitia nei ki te whānau Huata. Ko rātou hoki tē whānau i kōkiri kia tū ai Te Wānanga Whare Tapere o Takitumu, e ea ai te kōrero e kī ana; “Mai i te kōpū o te whaea ki te kōpū ō Papatūānuku.” Ko Simon Strombom te kaiwhakahaere o te roopu maumahara, ko ia hoki te rangatira o Ara Hiko ki te Tari Matua ō Te Kōhanga Reo.

I te marama o Hune i te tau 1943 i tū ā Wi Te Tau Huata hei minita, ā, tae atu ana ia ki Ihipa i piri atu ia ki Te Hokowhitu ā Tūmatauenga, ngā hōia o te taua o te 28.

Ko ia te pā whakawairua hei tuku i ngā karakia i mua i te whawhai. Nā Rūtene Kānara Awatere, te rangatira o Te Hokowhitu a Tū, rāua ko Tā Apirana Ngata te hiahia kia noho a Wi ki te mura o te ahi ki te taha ō nga hōia i Casino.

Ko Te Rau Aroha te ingoa o te taraka i haere ngātahi ai me Te Hokowhitu a Tū. I aroha nuitia tēnei taraka e ngā hōia, inara, ko te taraka rā te taura here ki ō rātou tamariki, ki te kainga me o rātou tikanga Māori. He kauwaka tēnei taraka hei kawe i te aroha o te iwi, kia tau ai te mauri i ngā wā o te taumaha me te korekore.

I hoki tahi mai a Wi Huata me te Hokowhitu a Tū i te marama o Hanuere i te tau 1946. Ka mārena rāua ko Ringahora Heni Ngakai Ebelle Tomoana, te tamāhine a Kuini rāua ko Paraire Tomoana. I kaha tonu ia ki te hohou i te rongopai mā te kapa haka me te arohanui o tētahi ki tētahi. I te tau 1982 ka kuhu ia ki ngā mahi ō Tū Tangata, ā ka noho hoki ia hei mema Poari mō Te Kōhanga Reo.

Anei te waiata i titongia e koro Wi Te Tau Huata hei ōhaki mō ngā iwi ō Aotearoa.

A World War II Army Chaplin was recently honoured at Waipatu Marae in Hastings with members of his whānau and local veterans unveiling a portrait of the young Māori soldier.

The painting of Wiremu ‘Wi’ Te Tau Huata by renowned military artist Matt Gauldie, was commissioned by the New Zealand Remembrance Army.

The painting has been gifted to the Huata whānau who have been pivotal to the establishment of Te Wānanga Whare Tapere o Takitimu, whose philosophy is based on learning from the womb of the mother to the womb of Papatūānuku. Simon Stormbom is the managing director of the Remembrance Army and is also the Manager of Ara Hiko at Te Kōhanga Reo Head Office.

He says it’s about “Creating artworks like this inspire and educate future generations, while acting as a source of remembrance”.

In June 1943, Wi enlisted for service as a chaplain. On his arrival in Egypt, Wi Te Tau Huata joined the 28th Māori Battalion.

As a solider, Padre Huata was known for conducting prayers and hymns before battle. Lieutenant Colonel Awatere a commander of the Battalion and Sir Apirana Ngata both wanted Wi on the front line with the soldiers for Casino.

You will notice the truck Te Rau Aroha, travelled everywhere with the Battalion and the men loved it because it connected them to their children, home and culture. In many ways Wi Huata was like Te Rau Aroha, he travelled with them, keeping their culture and spirits fulfilled, amongst all the fear and death on the other side of the world.

Wi Huata returned home with the Māori Battalion in January 1946. He went on to marry his wife Ringahora Heni Ngakai Ebelle Tomoana, daughter of Kuini and Paraire Tomoana. He continued his work with the Church, where he promoted kapa haka and goodwill. In 1982 he was involved in Tū Tangata and sat as a Board Member of Te Kōhanga Reo.

Here is the song written by Wi Te Tau Huata as a tribute to the people of Aotearoa: