4 Sep 2012

Auckland hapu to set up Maori pre-school

8:19 pm on 4 September 2012

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.