40 Years of He Kāinga mō te Reo

For over 40 years, He Kāinga mō te Reo has been a cornerstone of te reo Māori revitalisation in Te Waiariki. Established through the vision and dedication of Ani White and Cathy Dewes, the kaupapa has been steadfastly upheld by pou of the rohe, including Tūtū Kautai and Rukuwai Daniels. Their collective commitment has ensured the continued strength and growth of this unique learning space.

Today, He Kāinga mō te Reo stands as the only full-time (five days a week) Te Ataarangi class across all rohe. Alongside its evening classes, it provides flexible pathways for learners at different stages of their reo journey. What truly sets this kaupapa apart is its multi-generational approach. Whānau are encouraged to learn together, often bringing tamariki into the space, creating an environment where te reo Māori is lived, shared, and nurtured collectively.

Situated in the heart of Rotorua, He Kāinga mō te Reo continues to thrive, with aspirations to expand once again into neighbouring areas including Tauranga, Taupō, and Ōpōtiki. The rohe of Te Ataarangi ki te Waiariki spans from Maketū along the coastline through to Whakatāne, Ōhiwa, and Ōpōtiki, extending inland across Rotorua and toward the central plateau regions, reflecting a rich and diverse landscape of iwi, hapū, and communities.

Looking ahead, the focus is on growing the next generation of kaiako and embracing digital platforms to further strengthen the reach of the kaupapa. By expanding their online presence and utilising digital resources, He Kāinga mō te Reo aims to support ongoing learning beyond the classroom, ensuring te reo Māori continues to flourish for generations to come.

To learn more about Te Ataarangi ki te Waiariki visit their website: www.taktw.org