Te Huinga Reo Kohanga Reo is listed as a school at 52S Ōtara Rd in Ōtara, Manukau, in south Auckland. It has a 4.0 rating on Google and a website. Its name suggests a kōhanga reo, a Māori language early learning service.
Kōhanga reo, or language nests, began in New Zealand in 1982 as whānau-led early childhood services where young children learn through te reo Māori and tikanga Māori, with parents, grandparents and the wider whānau taking part. A good kōhanga reo immerses children in the language every day, builds pride in identity and welcomes whānau as part of the life of the centre. When considering one, visit, ask how the day runs, how whānau are involved, what the language policy is for families who do not speak te reo yet, what hours and fees apply and whether the 20 hours ECE scheme is available. Regulars know that whānau are encouraged to learn alongside their tamariki, that visiting before enrolling is welcome and that waiting lists can be long. Respect tikanga, such as removing shoes where asked.
For whānau in Ōtara and south Auckland, Te Huinga Reo Kohanga Reo on Ōtara Road is a local service to visit and ask about.