I am Māori. I am only learning to speak through the Wānanga now at the age of 34. I want my daughter to be fluent when she is my age (or earlier). Knowing the language of our tīpuna is key for tangata whenua in Aotearoa to move forward in a progressive direction. It is also important for all Pākehā and other New Zealanders to learn and understand the language of the country and fully accept and acknowledge the culture of the Māori. Te reo Māori, mātauranga Māori and tikanga Māori are vital to the achievement of Māori self-determination and tino rangatiratanga. Kia ū, kia mau ki to Maoritanga.
Comments