Childcare options in Selwyn Heights

Te Kōhanga Reo o Te Rongopai is a centre-based kōhanga reo located in Rotorua and provides for up to 30 tamariki. Book a visit today to connect with our kōhanga reo and to learn more about the options for your whanau.

Te Kōhanga Reo

The kōhanga reo movement is a unique initiative based on total immersion in Māori language and values with the aim of passing on Māori culture to future generations.

Kōhanga reo emphasise the revitalisation of the culture through te reo Māori and are dependent on the active participation of the whole whānau. The kaupapa of kōhanga reo aims to strengthen whānau capabilities in cultural, social, economic, spiritual and political matters. Education, health and wellbeing are inherent within all aspects of the kaupapa. The prime focus is the whānau – its collective development, growth, accountability and wellbeing set within a Māori cultural context.

Kōhanga reo do not regard tamariki in isolation, but as important members of the whānau. The kōhanga reo philosophy is that tamariki will benefit when whānau successfully operate according to the kaupapa. Tamariki are an integral part of whānau development.

The following key goals are the foundation of te kōhanga reo kaupapa established in 1982:

• total immersion in te reo Māori me ōna tikanga in daily operations
• whānau decision-making, management and responsibility
• accountability
• health and wellbeing of mokopuna and whānau.

The key goals of te kōhanga reo assure that there will be:

• security in te reo Māori
• a supportive, caring environment for mokopuna
• whānau (collective) sharing of responsibilities, knowledge and expertise
• greater respect and appreciation of each other.

At Central Kids Selwyn we acknowledge Maori as tangata whenua and whakapapa is an integral part of our Whanau, Hapu, Iwi katoa.

Our bi-cultural curriculum supports tino rangatiratanga by allowing children to make their own choices and decisions, as they solve problems by thinking creatively in a learning/teaching community that encourages respect and empathy. 

We listen to, and share, the stories of our local area. We connect with our maunga, Mt Ngonogotaha, through legends and regular excursions. Information technology are tools used for learning and teaching and are an integral part of our curriculum. 

Nau mai haere mai, come and visit us anytime.