Te reo Māori (the
Māori language) is an important aspect of the education system and society within
Aotearoa New Zealand. Although English is primarily spoken, it is highly likely your children will be exposed to
Māori language, culture and customs while attending schools in
Aotearoa New Zealand. However, the levels of awareness regarding
Māori culture will vary from place to place, so it is important that you anticipate
Māori language, culture, and its values in the education system.
An alternative to mainstream education is 'immersion'. This uses the
Māori language as the primary source of communication, and is available through
Kōhanga Reo (similar to Kindergarten, but taught in
Māori language and immersed in
Māori culture),
Kura Kaupapa (
Māori secondary school), and
Whare Wananga (tertiary education in
Māori ).
This option is favoured by over 10% of the current population within
Aotearoa New Zealand today.
