Education union NZEI Te Riu Roa has today announced it is backing Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust's campaign to have its
three-year qualification, Tohu Whakapakari, recognised as a teaching qualification by the Ministry of Education and
NZQA.
Matua Takawaenga Laures Park says the union's members in Kōhanga Reo have valuable skills in Te Reo and Te Ao Māori that
are essential for tamariki and they should be properly recognised and remunerated.
"The Ministry of Education and NZQA have been dodging this issue for more than 20 years. Tohu Whakapakari is Kōhanga Reo
tohu that produces Kaiako and it must be recognised as such. This is important mahi that Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust
is undertaking and - as always - they have our support.
"Tohu Whakapakari is an indigenous qualification and has too long awaited recognition from these Pākehā institutions.
"NZEI Te Riu Roa supports every and any endeavour that will improve conditions and outcomes for Kaiako and tamariki. To
that end, we have launched a separate pay equity claim on behalf of our members working in Kōhanga Reo. This claim will
cover the need for Tohu Whakapakari to be recognised as a teaching qualification."