The new service types were agreed on by Ministers in mid-2023. It will allow us to better identify and group these services, for more visible and meaningful reporting.

This change supports improved monitoring of outcomes in Māori medium and Pacific language education and care services. It will also help us assess the impact of initiatives targeting these services, their educators, and learners.

Education and care services and newly establishing education and care services that meet the description of 1 of the new service types can change to that service type. Services self-attest to meeting the minimum language requirements.

Services will still need to comply with early learning regulatory requirements and funding conditions.

There is no change for Te Kōhanga Reo affiliated to Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust.

The new service types#

Puna reo#

Te Reo Māori is the principal language of communication and instruction with mokopuna at Puna Reo. It is used 81% or more of the time, including during the implementation of the curriculum. It is expected that mokopuna in the service can interact freely in te reo Māori, without instruction.

Reo rua education and care#

Te Reo Māori is used at least 51% of the time as the language of communication and instruction with mokopuna, including in the implementation of the curriculum. English is accepted as a temporary language of instruction and communication. Not all mokopuna in the service are expected to interact freely in te reo Māori, however, will do so when instructed.

Leo o fanau moana immersion#

One Pacific language is the principal language of communication and instruction with children. It is used 81% or more of the time, including during the implementation of the curriculum. It is expected that children in the service can interact freely in 1 Pacific language, without instruction.

Leo o fanau moana bilingual#

One Pacific language is used at least 51% of the time as the language of communication and instruction with children, including in the implementation of the curriculum. English is accepted as a temporary language of instruction and communication. Not all children in the service are expected to interact freely in 1 Pacific language, however, will do so when instructed.