The Kohanga Reo National Trust Board says a decision by the Waitangi Tribunal shows the Crown has something to answer for.
The tribunal has granted the board its request for an urgent hearing following a Ministry of Education report that was critical of the kohanga movement.
It has found that the report is damaging and could affect kohanga enrolments, and that the ministry has made no progress on understanding the board's kaupapa.
The decision shows there are concerns that must be addressed, says board co-chairperson Tina Olsen-Ratana.
She says the tribunal will allow the board to expand on evidence presented previously.
