A Language Nest is an early childhood service that cares and educates children in their native language and culture. There are many languages nests across the country, the most well-known being Kohanga Reo.
Kohanga Reo is a Maori language nest and is known for its full immersion of Te Reo (Maori language) and culture within the centre. Kohanga Reo was first founded in 1981 by the Department of Maori Affairs due to concern for the survival of the Maori language. Since then, Kohanga Reo Language Nests have flourished throughout New Zealand. These centres are community-based but are overseen by the Te Kohanga Reo National Trust.
Teacher ratios in Kohanga Reo are 1:5 for 0-2 year olds and 1:6 for 2-5 year olds. The daily programme is similar to that of a normal Education and Care Centre or Kindergarten; using Te Whaariki – The New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum and providing a range of experiences within the core learning areas. However at Kohanga Reo, only Maori language and traditional Maori ways of educating and caring for are experienced by the children.
Families are encouraged to take part in the daily programme and make a donation or give a koha (gift) as a means of paying for their child to attend the service.
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