The causes of the decline included the switch from using Māori to using English compulsorily in schools and increasing urbanisation, which disconnected younger generations from their extended families—in particular their grandparents, who traditionally played a large part in family life.
It facilitates the growth and development of mokopuna (grandchildren) through the transmission of Māori language, knowledge and culture.
The kōhanga reo movement operates from the Māori philosophical world view and is principally guided by kaumātua (respected elders).
Individual kōhanga reo are autonomously run by their respective whānau, which consists of a "collective group of teachers, parents, local elders, and members of the Māori community".
[4] Conducted entirely in Māori, a kōhanga reo is an environment where 0–6-year-olds,[5] kaumātua and whānau spend time together talking, playing, praying and learning.
In the 2011 election, the party wanted to require that all secondary schools offer the language as an option to every student.