Te Puna Kōhungahunga plays a vital role as one of the three Puna Reo in Auckland central, and it stands out as the sole Puna Reo operated by the University of Auckland. Similar to Kōhanga Reo, Te Puna Kōhungahunga is an early childhood education centre that aims to embrace and align with Te Ao Māori—the Māori world, with a particular focus on the profound connection between nature and people. 

By providing a dual language pathway (reo ruatanga) and a safe and welcoming environment, Te Puna Kōhungahunga becomes a valuable space for whānau to either reconnect with their Māori heritage or embark on a journey of learning and understanding Te Ao Māori.

Unfortunately, Te Puna Kōhungahunga now faces the risk of closure due to the impending shutdown of the University's Epsom campus. As a result, the facility currently utilised by Te Puna Kōhungahunga will remain empty and unused for an estimated 18-36 months until the campus sale is finalised and processed. Despite the significance of this issue, the University of Auckland has set March 22, 2024, as the official closure date for Te Puna Kōhungahunga. This timeline does not provide enough opportunity to identify and prepare an appropriate alternative venue.

To address this critical concern, we are actively seeking an extension from the University, requesting to continue operating within the current facility on the Epsom campus for an additional 18-24 months. This extension would ensure a smooth transition and ample time for necessary preparations.

Without this extension current whānau will have no option outside of mainstream ECE centres for their tamariki. Access to Māori medium early childhood education options for whānau in and around Auckland central is increasingly limited, with capacity constraints and waitlists of 2-3 years making it even more challenging to access these services. This includes Hineteiwaiwa Te Kōhanga Reo, which is based at the University of Auckland city campus. 

Please show your support and help us to save Te Puna Kōhungahunga by signing this petition!