How ERO reviews Puna Reo

This page explains our review processes for Puna Reo and for services utilising the Te Ara Māori pathway of Te Whāriki.

Te Uepū ā Motu -our Māori review services team - reviews Puna Reo. Our reports on Puna Reo are written in Te Reo Māori and English.

We work with you at every stage of the review process. Our reviews focus on:

  • the quality of education and learning for tamariki, and
  • how well the environment supports the safety and wellbeing of tamariki.

Both of these directly affect outcomes for tamariki.

Through 2026, ERO is trialing an updated review approach for Puna Reo.

This approach is designed to provide a more phased and collaborative review process. It includes a pre‑review hui, offsite review activity, and an onsite visit. The approach is called Tai Timu, Tai Pari. 

The approach is organised into two main phases, Tai Timu and Tai Pari, which support early information sharing, focused evaluation, and clear planning before the onsite review. The information below explains how this approach works in practice for Puna Reo, and settings utilising the Te Ara Māori pathway of Te Whāriki. 

 Have feedback on Tai Timu,Tai Pari? Please share it with our team [email protected]

Our review process for Puna Reo

 

  1.  ERO sends you a notification of review

We email you to tell you we’re doing a review

We email you about 8 weeks before the onsite review. This email includes:

  • information about how we review Puna Reo.
  • guidance on documentation and information to prepare ahead of the review.

 

  1. Puna Reo completes the tasks outlined in the notification

You complete the required assurance and self-review information before the initial hui. This information helps us understand how your Puna Reo meets regulatory requirements and supports quality practice.
 

  1. ERO contacts Puna Reo to prepare for the review: Whakamautai

Around two weeks before the review, an ERO review coordinator will contact the Puna Reo leadership or designated contact to confirm details and discuss next steps.

During this time, the ERO review team will work with the Puna Reo to arrange: 

  • the evaluation focus for the review
  • the offsite hui (Tai Timu), and
  • the onsite visit (Tai Pari).
     
  1.  ERO and Puna Reo undertake the offsite review: Tai Timu

All hui days and times will have been agreed in collaboration with Puna Reo kaimahi and whānau during Whakamautai.

To support this phase of the review, we will request access to key documentation.

A list of required documents will be provided as soon as possible, and we request you send these through in PDF format to the ERO kaiarotake working on your review. These documents help ensure a smooth and timely review process and having these prior to Tai Timu commences enables us to get the most out of this stage of the review. 

During Tai Timu:

  • kaiarotake analyse the documentation provided
  • discussions about the onsite phase (Tai Pari), including activities and timing, are confirmed and outlined. 

 

  1. ERO visits Puna Reo for the onsite review: Tai Pari

An onsite review plan is developed and agreed with ERO and whānau before the visit.
The onsite review typically takes one day, and during this we continue to kōrero with kaiako, leaders and whānau, and gather evidence by:

  • reviewing documentation not provided during Tai Timu
  • talking with kaiako, whānau and tamariki  to clarify lines of inquiry
  • observing teaching, learning and daily practices
  • specific kōrero with tamariki.

 

  1. We share our findings and discuss next steps

We meet with you to share our findings, including:

  • areas of strong practice
  • areas for improvement.

We work together to agree on recommendations and what needs to happen next.

 

  1. We write the report

The written report reflects the kōrero from the final hui and identifies:

  • areas of good performance
  • areas for improvement
  • agreed recommendations.

The report records shared decisions about next steps and how any issues will be addressed.

 

  1. You give feedback on the draft report

We send you a draft report within 2 weeks of completing the onsite review.

You have 10 working days to:

  • query the evidence used
  • identify any errors
  • provide additional information or evidence.

We consider your feedback and amend the report where appropriate.

 

  1. We publish the report

We confirm the report and email a copy to you within 2 weeks.

The report is published on our website about 2 weeks later.

ERO reports are intended for the Puna Reo, whānau, hapū, iwi, and the wider education sector to support improvement, and ensure that the Puna Reo community have information about education provision for their tamariki. 

 

Information to guide your review 
Published: 17 Apr 2026
Audience:
Early learning
Māori-medium
Parents