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National | King Tuheitia

Kōhanga board told to sort itself out

After months of the National Trust dragging its heels, the Minister has cracked the whip and sent the board into urgency to sort itself out.

This is the statement sent to Kōhanga across the country today, the board saying it will "fast track" the direction and organisation needed to take the movement forward.

Toby Curtis, a stalwart in the Māori education sector, says they're on the right track.

“Having decided to take this path, I believe it will bring resolution for the hurt being felt by some families, sub-tribes and tribes.”

According to the board, its own makeup and membership will be a focus of the meeting at Tūrangawaewae next month.

The meeting has been called by King Tūheitia, following concerns raised by a cluster of Kōhanga within the region of Mataatua/Tauranga Moana.

According to the Trust's deed, the board has the authority to appoint its members. Within lies the problem according to some critics who say Kōhanga across the country have no say in the overall operations.

Also in attendance at this Ministry of Education meeting was National Trust Board member, Dame Iritana Tawhiwhirangi.

We spoke for a short while and she said the board is committed to the Kōhanga reo movement, but did not want to be interviewed.

All of these issues will undoubtedly be vigorously debated in the coming meeting, where it's hoped a resolution will be found.