Kia ora, Talofa lava, I am Samoan, and I speak, write and read in my own reo. In addition, my children are also Tongan and I speak, write and read in Tongan reo as well. My mokopuna are of Samoan, Tongan, Cook Island Maori, Italian, Irish and Pakeha ethnicities, and the reo is a crucial part of who they are here in Aotearoa NZ, in the Pacific, and wherever they go and live.
I support te reo Maori as it is our indigenous and one of our official reo in Aotearoa NZ and te reo Maori enriches our lives and who we are as a people here and in the Pacific region.
Being bilingual is a great advantage in academic success and a blessing. Our reo are gifts we pass on to our future generations and it is their right to have access to their reo, and our responsibility collectively to ensure our reo survives and continues to bless all who engage with it.
Fa'afetai tele Ia manuia le vaiaso o le gagana Maori.
Nga mihi nui
Judy
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