Te Kōhanga Reo o Te Kōtuku, located in Te Atatū, celebrated its 40th anniversary in October, marking a significant milestone for the kōhanga reo movement. Established in 1984 by Māori matriarchs, the kōhanga reo has been dedicated to preserving and fostering te reo Māori through traditional learning structures that emphasize waiata, karakia, tākaro, and tikanga.
The celebration brought together past and present whānau, featuring a pōwhiri that welcomed back former staff and community members. Highlights included kōrero from matua Fred Holloway about the challenges of preserving te reo Māori, and the planting of a rākau kōwhai donated by Ngāti Whātua in honor of Dame Whaea June Hinekahukura Mariu. The event showcased the ongoing commitment of the community to maintaining their cultural heritage and language.
The kōhanga reo’s name, ‘Kōtuku’, was gifted due to its close connections with Te Kōtuku Marae, the cultural group Te Rōpū Kōtuku Tohea, and Rutherford College, whose logo featured the kōtuku bird. This rich cultural significance underscores the deep roots and continued importance of Te Kōhanga Reo o Te Kōtuku in preserving Māori language and traditions.
The celebration was made possible through the generous support of The Good Home Lincoln – Henderson through our Supporters Club Fund. This funding reflects the ongoing commitment to nurturing the Māori language and culture within the community.
