No stopping the Kohanga Reo | Taranaki News | Local News in Taranaki

DESPITE delays, the building of Eltham’s new Kohanga Reo facility is continuing, much to the relief of organisers and supporters. The new facility was to be open for business before winter. However, National Trust Kohanga Reo modifications and revisions to the original plans slowed the building process down, meaning a December opening is now in the cards.
“Eltham’s Kohanga will be the first one in the country to demonstrate the national body’s new design principles,’ says Kohanga Reo representative, Sue Turahui.
“It’s a substantially different design to our original, but it’s going to be really, really good, with a greater emphasis on Maori design elements.”
When Eltham’s original Kohanga Reo buildings became unsuitable as a learning environment some years ago, those who ran it relocated to the Eltham Maori Club hall.
Last year an application was made to the Ministry of Education to properly license the hall as a full Kohanga Reo, but this was rejected because the hall was fundamentally unsuitable for such a task.
Eventually, the Ministry of Education released $800,000 for the building of a purpose-built facility in Eltham and it is this facility that will have its grand opening later in the year.
“The Kohanga will cater for 0-5 year olds and will be licensed for up to 30 children. We’ll have one teacher to every five children once we’re up and running.”
According to Sue, with major employers like Fonterra and Riverlands in the town, there is a real need for an effective Kohanga facility in the town. This is especially true at present with something of a baby boom happening.
“Kohanga families aren’t just benefiting either. Keeping the Kohanga going has really rejuvenated the Eltham Maori Club and we have an excellent relationship with Te Kura O Nga Ruahine Rangi.
“It will be great to see all the good work being done complemented by the completion of a great new facility,” says Sue.