Kohanga reo meaning

Kohanga reo, meaning "language nest" in Māori, is a preschool immersion program designed to revitalize the Māori language and culture.


Kohanga reo definitions

Word backwards agnahok oer
Part of speech Kohanga reo is a noun.
Syllabic division ko-han-ga reo
Plural The plural form of the word "kohanga reo" is "kohanga reo."
Total letters 10
Vogais (3) o,a,e
Consonants (5) k,h,n,g,r

Kohanga Reo: Preschool Language Nest in New Zealand

Kohanga Reo, which translates to "language nest" in English, is a unique early childhood education program in New Zealand that focuses on preserving and revitalizing the Maori language and culture. This initiative plays a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of Maori speakers and ensuring the continuation of this indigenous language.

History and Cultural Significance

Established in the 1980s, Kohanga Reo was a response to the declining use of the Maori language among Maori communities. It serves as a haven where young children, known as tamariki, can immerse themselves in Maori language and customs, laying a strong foundation for their cultural identity.

Structure and Curriculum

Kohanga Reo centers are typically located in Maori communities and run by the local community members, including parents and elders. The curriculum is based on oral transmission, storytelling, and hands-on experiences rather than traditional classroom teaching methods.

Success and Challenges

Over the years, Kohanga Reo has been successful in revitalizing the Maori language and empowering Maori communities. However, the program also faces challenges such as funding shortages and the need for more qualified teachers fluent in Maori. Despite these obstacles, Kohanga Reo remains a vital part of New Zealand's education system.

Impact and Future

The impact of Kohanga Reo can be seen in the increasing number of young Maori speakers and the growing appreciation for Maori culture in New Zealand. As the program continues to evolve, there is hope that it will play an even greater role in preserving the Maori language and heritage for generations to come.


Kohanga reo Examples

  1. The kohanga reo provides a nurturing environment for young children to learn the Maori language.
  2. My niece attends a kohanga reo where she learns Maori songs and traditions.
  3. The kohanga reo program focuses on incorporating Maori culture into daily activities.
  4. Parents in the community are encouraged to volunteer at the kohanga reo to support language immersion.
  5. The kohanga reo movement aims to revitalize the Maori language and culture among younger generations.
  6. Teachers at kohanga reo centers undergo specialized training to effectively teach Te Reo Maori.
  7. Families often choose to send their children to kohanga reo to instill a sense of pride in their Maori heritage.
  8. The kohanga reo model has inspired similar early childhood education programs in other indigenous communities.
  9. Kohanga reo provides a foundation for children to become fluent speakers of Te Reo Maori.
  10. Attending a kohanga reo has helped many children develop a strong connection to their Maori identity.


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  • Updated 08/04/2024 - 00:58:16