Te Pāti Māori has announced a comprehensive funding package aimed at revitalising Māori-medium education, with commitments to secure the future of kōhanga reo and kura Māori. The announcement was made in Rotorua by co-leader Rawiri Waititi and Hauraki-Waikato MP Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke.
Mr Waititi stated that the initiative is rooted in tino rangatiratanga in education, aiming to provide whānau with the certainty required to strengthen te reo Māori for future generations. Ms Maipi-Clarke added that tamariki require fit-for-purpose learning environments, noting that the policy focuses on providing the necessary buildings and support for kaiako.
Kōhanga Reo Commitments
Under the proposed policy, Te Pāti Māori intends to establish a Te Kōhanga Reo Act to secure annual baseline funding for kōhanga reo. Key investment details include:
• A dedicated capital fund of $20 million annually.
• A $50 million investment to address a backlog of approximately 80 kōhanga reo requiring new builds or refurbishment.
• Funding for 20 new kōhanga reo over three years, with priorities set in collaboration with the Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust.
Kura Māori and Workforce Support
For kura Māori, the party has committed $1.25 billion over five years through a ring-fenced property investment plan, allocating $250 million annually for property upgrades and growth. Additionally, the policy includes a $30 million annual investment to restore Te Ahu o Te Reo Māori, designed to strengthen te reo Māori capability across the education workforce.