Conference to further Maori Language

An international conference will be held on Rarotonga from the 6th – 8th of this month, bringing together staff from the Punanga Reo o Akarana and Early Childhood Education teachers in Rarotonga and some southern group schools.
The conference is to be held at the Crown Beach Resort and aims at:
• Discussing issues and concerns regarding the maintenance of the mother tongue
• Supporting emerging educators in the planning and delivery of effective Maori language programmes in early childhood settings.
This will allow for interactive and engaging sessions amongst all ECE teachers, facilitators and administrators to build up the Maori language and explore ways to improve learning.
Organized by the Te Taokotaianga o te au Punanga Reo O Akarana Incorporated, in conjunction with the Cook Islands Ministry of Education, this event is geared to improve the quality of learning of our Early Childhood Teachers and ultimately our young children.
Included in the programme will be key note speakers, presentations by both New Zealand and Cook Islands teachers, visits to local centres and some advice from a panel made up of past and present Cook Islands educators.
There will be over 40 practicing early childhood teachers (ECE) from Auckland participating in this event.
The Ministry of Education has arranged for ten teachers from Aitutaki, Mauke, Mitiaro, Mangaia and Atiu to join the forty, as well as 19 other teachers in Rarotonga for this first time event.
Media personnel are invited to attend.
For further information, please contact
Ina Tamarua
Early Childhood Education Advisor
Ministry of Education.
Phone: (00682) 29 357
Fax: (00682) 28 357

Headlines : Times 290 02 March 2009
- Lucky $1,000 winner
- Century old palm trees and the French connection
- Koutu Nui takes part in Raui meeting in Moorea
- WOM Award Dinner for Ake Hosea-Winterflood
- Island of Atiu to host Koutu Nui AGM in June 2009