Language champ Nanny Daph retires

Te Kohanga Reo was formed by the Department of Maori Affairs in 1981 in response to Maori concern about the survival of the Maori language. This followed a cry from kaumatua (elders) and parents and within a year 100 language nests had sprung up around the country catering for 14,000 tamariki. Today, there are 45 within the Te Arawa rohe (boundary), including Mangakino, Tokoroa and Te Puke.

Punished for speaking Maori as a girl, Daphne Soloman has in adulthood strived to keep her indigenous language alive among Maori children.

A founder of Rotorua's Rongopai Kohanga Reo 23 years ago, ill health has forced "Nanny Daph" as she is known, to retire.

At her farewell she received one of the highest honours from the National Kohanga Trust - the Whakapakari Tohu.

As a child Mrs Soloman attended Ruatahuna's Huiarau Native School where she was confused about not being allowed to speak Maori when at home it was all her family spoke.

"It was horrible. I was made to pull out ragwort and ferns. I couldn't understand why I was being punished for speaking our own language."

It prompted her to be at the forefront of Rongopai Kohanga Reo - a Maori language nest for pre-schoolers - since it opened in 1985.

Mrs Soloman set up the kohanga in a building attached to the Maori Presbyterian Church in Clayton Rd until 1992, starting with only six children.

"I love kids, they are our future," she said.

She could have just about filled it with her own children - she and husband Abraham had nine daughters and one whangai son and their 100th mokopuna is due this year. In 1993, the centre moved to new premises beside Selwyn School on Old Quarry Rd and up to 25 preschoolers now attend daily.

"I didn't want the language to die and I didn't want children to be punished for speaking reo. The language is part of who they are and if we don't pass it on it will be lost forever. It's a beautiful language and it's up to us to keep it alive. These children are the world of tomorrow," Mrs Soloman said.

Her daughter Lois Soloman, who also teaches at Rongopai Kohanga Reo, said her mum was passionate about ensuring te reo was a major part of the children's lives.

'She stuck to the kaupapa of kohanga.

"She was the old school kaimahi (worker) who never compromised her beliefs.

"So many families have been touched by her.

"She is a nurturer," she said.

Retirement could have meant the end of her relationship with the kohanga but once a week, the teachers walk the children down to Nanny Daph's house for a visit.

"Mum will always be a big part of their lives," her daughter said.