Licensing criteria for kōhanga reo

Kōhanga reo run a total immersion te reo Māori whānau (family) programme for mokopuna (young children) from birth to six years of age to be raised within its whānau Māori, where the language of communication will be Māori.

The operation and decision making of each kōhanga reo are the responsibility of the whole whānau within the guidelines set down by Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust Board. The trust and the kōhanga reo whānau administer the kaupapa to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the mokopuna and the whānau and to ensure the survival of te reo Māori.

Kōhanga reo are currently chartered to Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust and licensed by the Ministry of Education under the Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008.

Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008(external link)

The Ministry does not provide guidance for the kōhanga reo licensing criteria. Guidance is available upon request directly from Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust.

Contact – Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust(external link)

A copy of the criteria can be downloaded from the right-hand column.

The licensing criteria were last updated in September 2022.

Hygiene

  • HS1: Premises maintained and hygienic
    • Health and safety practices criterion 1

      § Premises, furniture, furnishings, fittings, equipment, and materials are kept safe, hygienic and maintained in good condition.

      Rationale/Intent:

      The criterion aims to uphold the health and safety of children.

  • HS2: Linen
    • Health and safety practices criterion 2

      § Linen used by children or adults is hygienically laundered.

      Documentation required:

      A procedure for the hygienic laundering (off-site or on-site) of linen used by the children or adults.

      Rationale/Intent:

      The criterion aims to ensure that inadequate laundering practices do not pose a health risk to children.

  • HS3: Nappy changing procedure
    • Health and safety practices criterion 3

      § A procedure for the changing (and disposal, if appropriate) of nappies is displayed near the nappy changing facilities and consistently implemented.

      Documentation required:

      A procedure for the changing (and disposal, if appropriate) of nappies.
      The procedure aims to ensure:

      • safe and hygienic practices; and
      • that children are treated with dignity and respect.
      Rationale/Intent:

      Displaying the procedure ensures that every person using the facilities is made aware of the procedure to maintain general hygiene and children's safety and wellbeing.