October 08, 2015
Positive restart for Glen Innes kohanga
A new home opens in Glen Innes tomorrow for Te Kohanga Reo o Puau Te Moananui -a- Kiwa.
The kohanga has had a number of addresses since it was founded in 1991 at the former, Tamaki Girls College, but the shift to the purpose-built facility in the grounds of Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Puau Te Moananui-a-Kiwa should be permanent.
Spokesperson Mere Austin says the new kohanga is licensed to take 30 under-twos and 80 older tamariki, with room to grow the roll to 145.
She says the whanau tried to incorporate elements of tikanga into the architecture, starting with the entrance facing true east.
"Obviously the sun rises from the east and it has a positive influence. Everything that comes into our whare creates that positivity We have sun all day. We have specific rooms designed where it will be more conducive and positive for the children towards their learning," Ms Austin says.
Tomorrow's dawn blessing will be followed on Monday with a celebration for all those whanau who have been part of the kohanga over the years.
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