A national conference marking 30 years since kohanga reo began got underway on Thursday.
Two topics up for discussion are the Waitangi Tribunal hearing next year, and a follow up with past pre-schoolers to find out how kohanga reo has shaped their lives.
The movement was set up by the Department of Maori Affairs in 1981, due to concerns for the survival of te reo Maori.
Te Kohanga Reo National Trust Board was set up a year later.
A trustee for the board Dame Iritana Tawhiwhirangi says during the gathering it wants to survey past pupils who she suspects are succeeding.
She says that information will prove to the Government that its philosophy of elders not teachers educating children does work.
The conference continues until Sunday.
