A regional kohanga reo manager says the growth of kura kaupapa (Maori language immersion schools) has helped kohanga tamariki to maintain their reo throughout their schooling.
Ikaroa Kohanga Reo district manager Emily Deacon attended the 30th anniversary of Te Kohanga Reo o Waiwhetu in Lower Hutt on Wednesday - one of the first Maori language pre-schools established in 1982.
She says kura kaupapa has also helped to develop kohanga teachers who have moved into the primary sector which has been beneficial for the survival of te reo Maori.
Ms Deacon says there are a lot of people who move from kohanga to kura kaupapa, which has been good in forming good relations between them.
She says this has played an important part in strengthening the Maori language and developing te reo teachers.