Te Kura Reo o Waimārama was established in the summer of 1989 by Dr Sir Tīmoti Kāretu, who was serving as the Māori Language Commissioner at the time.

This kura reo is a five-day, full-immersion language course, open only to those who already possess a strong proficiency in te reo Māori. It is designed to refine and elevate the language skills of capable speakers within a rigorous and immersive environment.

Waimārama Marae was chosen as the site for the kura due to its central location, and because Tīmoti knew his late aunt, Gertrude Broadman (née Kāretu), would ensure that the manaakitanga and operations of the marae met the highest standards.

Now, more than three decades on, the kura continues to thrive, drawing dedicated tauira from across Aotearoa to uphold and advance the reo.