An Auckland hapu which recently settled its Treaty of Waitangi claim with the Crown is planning to create new educational opportunities for young Maori.
Ngati Whatua o Kaipara says tamariki are a pivotal part of its plans.
It wants to set up a Maori early childhood centre - either a kohanga reo or a puna reo.
The tumuaki of the hapu, Jason Fox, says they are still deciding where to put the total immersion pre-school.
Mr Fox says it could be based in Helensville and would be near health and social services, providing a useful hub for parents of young children.