I grew up in Hamilotn New Zaland in the 1980's and 1990s. Where I was schooled Te Reo was mostly absent, with some very last minute classes, or tokenistic efforts made by the school. Nothing happened for me at University, and I then lived in the UK for nearly 20 years. Before coming back in 2021, I was fearful that much of the language and culture had moved on. Sadly, this was not the case. I am grateful to my workplace for putting in place some structures that have helped me to become increasingly confident in my reo, karakia, karakia kai, powhiri, noho marae, and waiata. NZ is a very small place in the world. In many ways, it is our Maaori history and culture that seperates us from other places. To this end, it is an important part of our self identity as a nation, and important to keep alive and strengthen.