Share your why

Jenny - Palmerston North

Posted by Jenny Lupton · September 14, 2020 7:20 PM

Why; its part of my and our identity as New Zealanders.

Jenny - Motueka

Posted by Jenny Hudson · September 14, 2020 7:20 PM

My children and extended whanau are Maori.

Jenny - Dannevirke

Posted by Jenny zalewski · September 14, 2020 7:20 PM

My children have maori heritage and I don't want them to lose that.

Jenny - Auckland

Posted by Jenny Appleton · September 14, 2020 7:20 PM

I have been in NZ over 20 years.

Jennifer - Auckland

Posted by Jennifer Wood · September 14, 2020 7:20 PM

Because why not?.

Jenna - Melbourne, Australia

Posted by Jenna Kelley · September 14, 2020 7:20 PM

NZ is my second home.

Jenna - Auckland

Posted by Jenna Teesdale · September 14, 2020 7:20 PM

Because it is one of only two unique languages we have here and i believe it is important to embrace our heritage and ensure it is carried through to the next millennia and beyond.

Jenna-lee - Auckland

Posted by Jenna-lee Tokimua · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

To learn and emphase the culture.

Jenn - Wellington

Posted by Jenn Burford · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

Because Te reo is awesome and a vital part of respect, love of and for Māoridom <3.

Jenn - Christchurch

Posted by Jenn Valavala · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

To be able to learn the language of our country and feel confident using/speaking a few words.

Jen - wellington

Posted by Jen Tyson · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

Because Te Reo is an official language in NZ.

Jen - Hawera

Posted by Jen Kemp · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

For my son to learn about something that is unique to New Zealand and is open to learning other languages and cultures.

Jen - Christchurch

Posted by Jen Dodson · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

to encourage others to learn.

Jemma - Christchurch

Posted by Jemma van de Vondervoort · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

To help show recognition that te reo belongs in our everyday use and educate myself along the way.

Jemma - Christchurch

Posted by Jemma Walker · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

I feel strongly about weaving Te Reo into education, the workplace and within your whanau.

Jemma - Auckland

Posted by Jemma Chase · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

R10's reasons:.

Jeannette - Whangarei

Posted by Jeannette Keukelaar · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

I am a New Zealander and I believe that all New Zealanders should be able to speak Te Reo.

Jean - Whitianga

Posted by Jean Waretini-Paul · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

I'm in education and normalising te reo Māori is important for our tamariki.

Jayne - Cambridge

Posted by Jayne Baker · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

I'm a proud New Zealander.

Jaylee - Invercargill

Posted by Kristin Gillies · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

KIA ORA AI TE REO MAORI, KIA TAUTOKO TE KAUPAPA O TE REO MAORI.

Jay - Auckland

Posted by Bijay Ratu · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

To respect and nurture the Maori Culture and Language.

Jason - Wellington

Posted by Jason Bell · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

Te Reo is a beautiful language and something so unique to NZ, its part of who I am, where I come from and who I will always be.

Jason - Hamilton

Posted by Jason Walker · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

Personally te reo is the backbone ki te ao Maori.

Jason - Christchurch

Posted by Jason Mooney · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

Its important for everyone to understand the history of their country and indigenous people.

Jason - Auckland

Posted by Jason Tutara · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

It is the reo of the whenua.

Jasmine - Napier

Posted by Jasmine Youngman · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

we doing it at work .

Jasmine - Auckland

Posted by Jasmine Paora · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

So my baby and I can feel more confident and connected to who we are.

Jasmine - Auckland

Posted by Jasmine Graham · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

We believe in the revitalisation of our reo Maori - we know that we play a part as individuals and as a community organisation.

Jasmine - Auckland

Posted by Jasmine Douglas · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

It is important to be one in a million because Te Reo Maori belongs to our indigenous people and the more that participate, the more understanding people will have of this culture then we can break down barriers and get along with each other so racism can be abolished.

Jarrod - Hamilton

Posted by Jarrod Bowler · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

Te Reo Maori language is such a key to our culture, it is important that as New Zealanders we all understand it and celebrate it.

Janine - Otautahi

Posted by Janine Tuuta · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

To make it ok to speck te reo maori.

Janine - Lincoln

Posted by Janine Duckworth · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

Te reo Maori is part of what makes me proud to be a kiwi.

Janet - Otepoti

Posted by Janet Byers · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

As a former kaiwhakaako (high school teacher of Maori and other languages) I see the pride young Maori develop as they reclaim their dignity by acquiring and using the language of their tipuna.

Janet - auckland

Posted by Janet Cartmell · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

I wish to improve my understanding of the language and interact more with Te Reo.

Jane - Wellington

Posted by Jane Temel · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

I'm recapturing an important part of my heritage.

Jane - Hastings

Posted by Jane Donovan · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

Want to be included and inclusive with all our cultures.

Jane - Auckland

Posted by Jane Bennett · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

Ko te reo te mauri o te mana Māori.

Jan - Waiheke Island

Posted by Jan Robertson · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

I'd love Aotearoa New Zealand to be truely bilingual for everyone one day.

Jan - Christchurch

Posted by Jan Eddy · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

I am committed to being part of a bicultural Aotearoa and being able to participate in a bilingual way is an essential part of that.

Jamie - Auckland

Posted by Jamie Gray · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

Language shapes worldview and culture - Reo Maori should be shaping our worldview as New Zealanders, there is much we can learn.

James - Palmerston North

Posted by James Tait-Jamieson · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

Te Reo is a unique part of our national story, our past, our present and one way or another our future.

James - Hastings

Posted by James Tamarapa · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

I want my kids to know that the language is important.

Jaleesa - Thames

Posted by Jaleesa Paul · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

To be able to speak in our reo and teach my tamariki our culture.

Jaki - Tauranga

Posted by Jaki Lee · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

I live in New Zealand and want to support the "life" of te reo.

Jai - Rhode Island, USA

Posted by Jaime Carvalho Buehler · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

It’s important to me because my father never got to know or learn about the Māori side of his family.

Jael - Hamilton

Posted by Jael Smith · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

it’s who we are, we are our reo, our culture.

Jadene - Auckland

Posted by Jadene Wheeler · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

To learn more about the indigenous culture of NZ, to revitalize a language that was unjustly taken away from Maori.

Jade - Oamaru

Posted by Jade Rogers · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

For me to be able to bring the languag into my workplace and inspire the children .

Jade - Auckland

Posted by Jade Tang-Taylor · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

It's the language of our indigenous peoples of Aotearoa, and it's a beautiful language!

Jade - Auckland

Posted by Jade Marihia Forde Tahana · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

Its important for myself and my whanau to learn our REO properly and understanding of tikanga.

Jacqui - Hamilton

Posted by Jacqui Roberts · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

Celebrate being maori, reclaim our language for future generations.

Jacqui - Dunedin

Posted by Jacqui Hadingham · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

I am fairly new to this country, and want to learn about and participate in my new home.

Jacqui - Auckland

Posted by Jacqui Miles · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

Kia ora,.

Jacob - Christchurch

Posted by Jacob Hitchens · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

Honour my ancestors.

Jacob - Auckland

Posted by Jacob Parsons · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

Te Reo is our nations language and we as a organisation look to honour and respect tangata whenua and Te Tiriti .

Jack - Auckland

Posted by Jack Parker · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

Te Reo Māori makes New Zealand, and New Zealanders, unique.

Izzie - Kerikeri

Posted by Izzie Birnie · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

To enjoy the beauty of the reo.

Isabelle - Auckland

Posted by Isabelle Silverman · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

Because i think it's important to learn maori .

Irene - Otipoti

Posted by Irene West · September 14, 2020 7:19 PM

Photo of me Graduating from Lvl.

Iona - Auckland

Posted by Fiona Webster · September 14, 2020 7:18 PM

Te reo is an important part of our culture and it is important that we strengthen our knowledge and grow it.

Ingrid - Timaru

Posted by Ingrid Davies-Martin · September 14, 2020 7:18 PM

It is important to learn and share te reo with the tamariki and their whanau that visit the library.

Indu - Christchurch

Posted by Indu Baiju · September 14, 2020 7:18 PM

INTERESTED TO LEARN TE REO.

Imogen - Auckland

Posted by Imogen Michaux · September 14, 2020 7:18 PM

To teach my children the importance f learning Maori.

Ike - Raahui Pookeka

Posted by Ike Rakena · September 14, 2020 7:18 PM

Ko te reo Maaori te reo tuuturu o ngooku tuupuna.

Hyeon Joo - Auckland

Posted by Hyeon Joo Kim · September 14, 2020 7:18 PM

As an immigrant I think it's important to learn about Aotearoa as I live here, and am hoping to become conversational in all 3 official languages.

Hugh - Christchurch

Posted by Hugh Edwards · September 14, 2020 7:18 PM

fomo.

Hoturoa - Kawhia

Posted by Hoturoa Kerr · September 14, 2020 7:18 PM

Kia noho pumau to tatou reo ki tona whenua.

Horiana - Auckland

Posted by Horiana Hawaikirangi · September 14, 2020 7:18 PM

He waka eke noa.

Hohipe - Kawakawa, Northland

Posted by Hohipe Williams · September 14, 2020 7:18 PM

Mo aku mokopuna!

Hoana Joanne - Kaikohe

Posted by Hoana Joanne Rountree · September 14, 2020 7:18 PM

.

Hira - Auckland

Posted by Hira Nathan · September 14, 2020 7:18 PM

I love that NZ is a multicultural country but I also can’t help but feel ripped off when I hear other people speaking there language because I was never given the same opportunity.

Hineatua - manurewa

Posted by Hineatua Parkinson · September 14, 2020 7:18 PM

Te Reo Rangatiria has many lessons and insights for all of us.

Hineana - Rotorua

Posted by Hineana Selwyn · September 14, 2020 7:18 PM

The importance is providing students knowledge and opportunities to learn Te Reo Maori even if it be basics.

Hilary - Christchurch

Posted by Hilary Sutton · September 14, 2020 7:18 PM

It is part of what it means to be a New Zealander.

Hera - Ōtautahi

Posted by Rahera Cowie · September 14, 2020 7:18 PM

Mō tātou, ā, mō ka uri a muri ake nei.

Hera - Kirikiriroa

Posted by Anihera Carroll · September 14, 2020 7:18 PM

Mo aku tamariki.

Hera - Bexley Sydney

Posted by Hera Peihopa · September 14, 2020 7:18 PM

Because it's is a part of me, who I am, that I have neglected n decided to attend to for myself n to make it relevant n real in my life now, not continue to put to the side to do one day.

Henare Maia - Porirua

Posted by ria tomoana · September 14, 2020 7:18 PM

te reo Māori lets me express who I come from and what I value.

Hemi - Auckland

Posted by Hemi Clendon · September 14, 2020 7:18 PM

E hoa, ko te reo o nga matua.

Helena - Auckland

Posted by Helena Filipo · September 14, 2020 7:18 PM

It is important to me to take part in this journey as it will help me connect with my Maori roots.

Helen - Wellington

Posted by Helen Mulholland · September 14, 2020 7:18 PM

Because I live in Aotearoa, its where my heart is.

Helen - Wellington

Posted by Helen Cairney · September 14, 2020 7:18 PM

As an educator and New Zealander it just seems right that te reo Māori is part of my and everyone's language.

Helen - Nelson

Posted by Helen Durbridge · September 14, 2020 7:18 PM

The kindergarten community is committed to honoring Te Tiriti o Waitangi and continue to build our confidence and competence in using Te Reo Maori and ensuring te Ao Maori is incorporated into our programme.

Helen - Greytown

Posted by Helen Fielding · September 14, 2020 7:18 PM

Te Reo matters!

Helen - Blenheim

Posted by Helen Sowman · September 14, 2020 7:18 PM

Because the Maori language is an important part not only for the Maori people but for New Zealand .

Helen - Blenheim

Posted by Helen Walshe · September 14, 2020 7:18 PM

It is important to me because we should all be doing our part to upskill and make te reo a part of our everyday lives.

Helen - Auckland

Posted by Helen Oliver · September 14, 2020 7:18 PM

To learn respect for Te Reo and continue our bicultural journey as a nation.

Helen - Auckland

Posted by Helen Humphrey · September 14, 2020 7:18 PM

I am not a NZ by birth, but feel this will be lost if we don't promote it for the future generations.

Hedwig - Wellington

Posted by Hedwig Eisenbarth · September 14, 2020 7:18 PM

Everyone can contribute to making Te Reo Māori a living language that is part of the culture in Aotearoa, so I want to be part of that.

Heather - Whitianga

Posted by Heather Bruce · September 14, 2020 7:18 PM

This is part of my journey to use te reo in my everyday language & life.

Heather - Whangārei

Posted by Heather Hunt · September 14, 2020 7:18 PM

Beginning to learn te reo is one of the coolest things I have done and with this knowledge my understanding of this place and the people who live here has grown.