Kia ora,

I am now 70, but I was a teacher in the Early Childhood Department of the Correspondence School.

My area was from Hicks Bay down the east coast to Wairoa. I often travelled to Ruatoria to help some local waahine set up an early childhood centre.

At the time I wrote to nga tamariki in te reo and used te reo Maori with parents and whanau.

(I can't find the macron facility)

Anyway it has been 15 years or so since I gave up teaching and the adage "If you don't use it you loose it" is very true. I also learnt Italian for 20 years, as I am part Italian.

I live in Otaki so I do get the opportunity to be involved in te reo on occasions at tangi, hui and kori kaumatua.

I look forward to renewing and learning alongside your help and knowledge.

Nga mihi

Jennie