I’ve always loved reo Māori. I always wanted to be part of the kapa haka group at school, and have long wanted to learn more of the language. But, growing up as a pakeha in a very pakeha community, I felt ‘unqualified’ and “too white” to participate and learn. As I’ve gotten older, I see that’s not true; I’m a proud kiwi and this is the language of our land. I have so much respect and admiration for te reo and Māori culture, and also grief for the trauma of colonialism on tangata whenua.. my response now is to learn, enjoy & use te reo in my home and community.
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