KEY POINTS:
New Zealand children living in London are getting an insight into Maori culture through Te Kohanga Reo o Ranana, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
Every Saturday morning for the past decade both Maori and Pakeha parents have brought their children to New Zealand House in London for
lessons in te reo, pepeha (tribal sayings), whakapapa (genealogy) and waiata (song).
"They get a glimpse of what their culture is all about and they come back, which is always good," said Melissa Christie of Ngati Kahungunu, who has two sons who attend.
Close to 200 children, who vary in age from infants to 7, have been through the London kohanga since its inception in 1997 and about 20 children attend at the moment.
Because of the sheer size of London and parents' work commitments, classes are held just once a week for two hours.
But Ms Christie said this had "certainly raised the curiosity" of the children.
"Kids are always going to ask their parents where they're from if they know they have different ancestry so this helps them out and gives them a sense of pride and self-esteem.
"We live in a very multicultural society over here and lots of children here speak more than one language so it's nice for our children to be able to say who they are and where they're from in Maori," said Ms Christie.
People involved with the kohanga are all volunteers, said Ms Christie, who has lived in England since 1999.
As part of its 10th-year anniversary, the kohanga is planning events including releasing a commemorative magazine, a ball and extending their learning programme to cater for children up to 10.
There will also be a "Pa Wars" in which people from different tribes square off against each other in friendly games.
But Ms Christie said the biggest event would probably be the annual hangi at Hinemihi marae in Guildford, Surrey - a focal point for Ngati Ranana.
"It's a great place for the children to learn about and experience marae protocols," she said.
Ms Christie said the transient nature of New Zealanders living in the United Kingdom meant there were a lot of comings and goings at the kohanga.
"It's just a fact of life living in London and being a New Zealander over here most do eventually move back home," she said.
"But this has helped children who have moved back home and helped them integrate in New Zealand."
Te Kohanga Reo o Ranana wants all former members to contact them at 10years@kohanga.co.uk
