Otaki based Wananga o Raukawa says it feels so strongly about the need to re-vitalise te reo Maori, it is gifting a copy of the award winning book Mai te Kakano, to every kohanga reo in New Zealand.
The book which won the te reo category in this year's Maori Book Awards, is designed to help those committed to maintaining a reo immersion environment in early childhood education.
A kaihautu and lecturer at the wananga Ani Mikaere says it reflects the journey of local iwi over the past 37 years, in trying to bring the Maori language back from the edge of extinction.
She says the book is designed to help parents and caregivers of young children expand te reo they both hear and use, and help correct common errors that creep into the language.
Ms Mikaere says more than 400 kohanga will receive a copy of the book.
