Kura Reo moves from Christchurch to Ōtaki

5 April 2011

Media Advisory

Kura Reo moves from Christchurch to Ōtaki

Senior staff from Te Wānanga o Raukawa in Ōtaki have agreed to host the last of four nation wide Kura Reo (total immersion language course) which was to have taken place in Christchurch this year from 17-21 April 2011.

“Unfortunately, due to the damage incurred by Christchurch’s earthquake, the organisers have reluctantly agreed that continuing to host the Kura Reo there is no longer viable,” says Glenis Philip-Barbara, Chief Executive of Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori.

“Despite this setback, we acknowledge Te Kura Reo ki Te Waipounamu for their unwavering commitment to te reo Māori and the Kura Reo movement over the years, and wish them all the best over the coming months.”

“We are delighted that senior staff from Te Wānanga o Raukawa in Ōtaki have decided to pick up the Kura Reo and ensure the Kura can continue as it always has. We believe the change in venue will be a minimal disruption, as students can expect the learning programme will be in accordance with what is typically delivered at a Kura Reo.”

The upcoming Kura Reo in Ōtaki will be held from 17-21 April 2011 at Te Wānanga o Raukawa, and will be known as “Kura Reo ki Te Au ki Te Tonga”.

“Furthermore, it is our understanding that up to 40 registrations for Te Kura Reo ki Te Waipounamu had already been received leading up to the earthquake. These registrations are still on a hard drive within the CBD and for the most part irretrievable. As such, we encourage all those who registered to contact Pakake Winiata at Te Wānanga o Raukawa as soon as possible to arrange the transfer of their registration”.

Each year a series of four, week long Kura Reo, aimed at intermediate to fluent speakers of te reo Māori, are held at four key locations across the country. These locations include Rotorua, Heretaunga (Hastings), Waipukurau, and Christchurch. The Kura Reo are held in the first week of each school holiday break and are funded by Mā Te Reo. Any given Kura Reo can attract up to 100+ students.

ENDS

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