I was at our local Community Services Centre Op-shop and I had set my phone for a midday alarm to remind me to take the opportunity to speak Te reo. I had made some purchases and the lovely Pakeha, Elderly lady Volunteer was helping me load a shelving rack into my car boot.

We finished tying down my boot, I thanked her kindly and then my phone alarm went off...its midday...the big moment...I waved goodbye and said to her "Ka kite" to which she smiled and said "Oh thats right, its Maori language week" and said "Kaa keetaay".

We smiled at each other and went on our way...it was a special moment for me...a little ol' lovely Pakeha lady acknowledging and speaking in Maori to me. Its the fact that she knew it was Maori language week and replied in her own way (I wasnt going to spoil the moment and correct her pronounciation) she tried...thats all that mattered right?, that was so awesome and amazing.

I had a huge smile on my face and was so stoked to have shared a beautiful moment with someone I didnt know and was in service to others as a Community Volunteer.

When I got home I turned on You Tube and listened to Maori music of NZ artists, NZ school Kapa haka groups and Kapa haka groups based overseas. I cranked up the volume and sang and danced and loved every minute of it.

That was my 2 moments I choose to do on the day and to share.

Arohanui

Harriet M.