I work in ece, and have found majority of tamariki Māori are attending english-medium services. Its important to me because if I dont increase my ability to speak te reo and connect with te taiao through a Māori lense, then those tamariki will miss an opportunity to connect and be exposed with their culture and language. I cant imagine what it feels like to be where Māori are currently, not owning their identity as Māori, if I can influence one tamaiti to learn and be proud to be Māori then I know I've done my job properly. Also I'm very passionate about te ao Māori me te reo me te matauranga so it makes sense to keep on going and to never give up.
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