This article presents the findings from a Teacher-led Innovation Fund (TLIF) project where kaiako set out to develop and then explore nga korero tuku iho as an assessment approach within kohanga reo. Underpinned by kaupapa Maori research protocols, wananga (discussions) were held with kaiako and whanau to evaluate the approach. The findings from wananga with whanau are presented and discussed in this article, encouraging new ways of thinking about "Mana whenua"/"Belonging" within the context of assessment and beyond.