Success for Rotorua kohanga reo at Prime Minister awards

Rotorua's Te Kohanga Reo ki Rotokawa has taken out the Excellence in Leading Award as a joint winner at tonight's Prime Minister's Education Excellence Awards ceremony held in Auckland.

The judges noted Te Kohanga Reo ki Rotokawa recognised that whanau leadership was critical to empowering whanau in education so outcomes for tamariki would improve.

In 2011, the kohanga reo embarked on a journey to empower whanau, but realised that this would need the support of good leadership.

They cultivated intergenerational leadership based on the principles of traditional Maori society and supported by two generations of the same whanau, one associated with the kohanga since it was established.

The goal was to see whanau remain in the kohanga movement long after their children move to school, giving back by sharing their knowledge and expertise.

The focus on whanau engagement and empowerment has led to deeper participation and the emergence of new intergenerational leaders, as graduates of the kohanga return with their own children, bringing and sharing new skills.

Te Kohanga Reo ki Rotokawa is a joint winner for the Excellence in Leading along with Hawkes Bay's William Colenso College.

Ministry of Education's deputy secretary for early learning and student achievement, Ellen MacGregor-Reid said the finalists and winners had been through a rigorous selection and judging process.

"They have been judged to be among the pre-eminent education practitioners in New Zealand.

"They have set the highest standards in their work and it is making a real difference for the children and young people in their communities.

"The winners and finalists represent a snapshot of the excellent work going on in our communities to improve the educational outcomes and aspirations of nga akonga (students)."

This is the fourth Prime Minister's Education Excellence Awards, and attracted more than 140 entries.