Share your why

hamiora - whangarei

Posted by hamiora adams · September 14, 2020 7:18 PM

because.

Hamie - Hamilton

Posted by Hamie Munroe · September 14, 2020 7:18 PM

To continue to empower & affirm my language .

Hāmiora - Auckland

Posted by Hāmiora Mōrehu · September 14, 2020 7:18 PM

when I first came to school I had no care for learning moari but now that I've learnt that more then half my family can I want to be able to join in on there conversation .

Guy - Gisborne

Posted by Guy Muir · September 14, 2020 7:18 PM

There is a lot to learn from the Maori culture, language and traditions.

Gus - Nelson

Posted by Gus Shirley · September 14, 2020 7:18 PM

We are a bicultural nation.

Greg - Wellington

Posted by Greg Crayford · September 14, 2020 7:18 PM

Gotta keep this taonga alive.

Greg - Nara

Posted by Greg Mackay · September 14, 2020 7:18 PM

Language is culture, and for the preservation of Maoriitanga it's important to speak.

Grant - Timaru

Posted by Grant Lord · September 14, 2020 7:18 PM

Further develop an understanding and knowledge of Maoridom .

Graham - Waikanae

Posted by Graham Mustard · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

As a British born NZ citizen I am acutely aware of the history my people have in oppressing Maori in this country and I am committed to doing my part to keep Te Reo prominent and not losing the language.

Graeme - Auckland

Posted by Graeme Cullen · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

Its really important because at 65 Te Reo Maori and to korero fluent Maori is a long held dream of mine.

Glenview - Hamilton

Posted by Glenview Kindergarten · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

We are a bi cultural Kindergarten and we already speak te reo at our Kindergarten with our Kaiako, Tamariki and whaanau.

Glenda - Tauranga

Posted by Glenda Stewart · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

I need to keep practicing so I can remember my te reo as it part my life as a kiwi.

Ginny - Wellington

Posted by Ginny McCarty · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

I won't understand te ao maori unless I understand the language.

Gina - Rotorua

Posted by Gina Rangi · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

He taonga no oku tupuna, ma aku uri.

Gillian - Wellington

Posted by Gillian Boyes · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

I've been learning some basics this year and am loving hearing Te Reo spoken more widely - I want to be able to participate but have been shy to.

Gillian - Lower Hutt

Posted by Gillian Halba · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

Over the years I have learnt a little te reo Māori, but without use it gets forgotten.

Gill - Wellington

Posted by Gill McLean · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

I'm part of Aotearoa New Zealand and we're on this waka together.

Gerard - Wellington

Posted by Gerard Crewdson · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

kia ora .

Gerald - Auckland

Posted by Gerald Bethell · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

I think it's important to recognise Te Reo Māori as an official language of Aotearoa and show respect for the principles of Tiriti o Waitangi.

Georgia - Wellington

Posted by Georgia Branham · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

Because language is a gateway to understanding a culture.

Georgia - Chatham Islands

Posted by Georgia Murchie · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

to keep te reo alive and be able to teach & speak with my children.

Georgette - Wellington

Posted by Georgette Lampitt · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

I think in order to promote the language and to not loose it, we need to learn and practice it.

Geoff - Kirikiriroa

Posted by Geoff Berlyn · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

A language stays alive when more people speak it and share it.

Geneva - Auckland

Posted by Geneva Tauetau · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

For me as a person and to learn and share the gift of my whakapapa.

Gena - Christchurch

Posted by Gena Orpwood · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

Because my children are Maori I am not but I want them to see and feel their culture all around them for their lives.

Gemma - Paihia

Posted by Gemma Langsdale · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

To be United with Aotearoa and step up to join in and promote Te Reo Maori .

Gemma - Auckland

Posted by Gemma Brunton · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

We really enjoy the Maori language and want to really use it in our school again and keep Te Reo Maori alive!

Gaylene - Õpõtiki

Posted by Gaylene Kohunui · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

Taku rourou, tau rourou kia ora te iwi.

Gayle - Auckland

Posted by Gayle Payne · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

"Ka kohi te toi,.

Gay - Te Awamutu

Posted by Gay Morgan · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

Because I live in NZ, am a naturalised NZ citizen and Māori are the first people of the land & the reo is beautiful and foundational.

Gavin - Papaioea

Posted by Gavin Taylor · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

I te mea he Māori ahau.

Gary - Palmerston North

Posted by Gary Davis · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

The Maori language is our language so it’s import for all New Zealanders to learn and use to keep the language alive.

Gareth - Te Oha a Maru

Posted by Gareth Boyt · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

E arohaina ahau i te reo māori.

Gareth - Saint Arnaud

Posted by Gareth Rapley · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

It is a part of our history and our future.

Gabrielle - Wanaka

Posted by Gabrielle Boyd · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

Te two Maori is uniquely New Zealand and it’s important that we continue the language and learning of the culture as a whole nation.

Fu'e - Otara

Posted by Fu'e Tuuga · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

It's important for our children to acknowledge the Reo of our Tangata Whenua.

Freddie - Wellington

Posted by Freddie Nelson · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

Te Reo is part of the history of this land, it is important to keep it alive.

Frances - Rotorua

Posted by Frances Ruawai-Hamilton · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

Kei te arohanui ahau ki ta tatou reo rangatira.

Frances - Christchurch

Posted by Frances Lawrence · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

It wasn't until I read and understood the history of New Zealand and the devastating impact on Maori that I came to understand my own story and what I left behind because of my own dislocation.

Flynn - Waitara

Posted by Flynn Maddaford · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

I’ll draw Maori stuff.

Florence - Wellington

Posted by Florence Reynolds · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

Reo is the language of Aotearoa.

Floki - Auckland

Posted by Floki Crosswell · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

because i want to recognize the culture of the country i live in.

Fiona - Wellington

Posted by Fiona Markwell · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

I'm pakeha but I want to help lift te reo back up, up, up to where it ought to be.

Fiona - Te Puke

Posted by Fiona Hourigan · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

Because Aotearoa is my turanga waewae.

Fiona - Otautahi/Christchurch

Posted by Fiona Oliphant · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

Te reo Māori is the first language and unique taonga of Aotearoa/New Zealand.

Fiona - Lower Moutere

Posted by Fiona Summerfield · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

To show the importance of te reo Māori to Aotearoa today.

Fiona - Dunedin

Posted by Fiona Dowling · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

it is important to learn te reo as part of being a NZer.

Fiona - Auckland

Posted by Fiona Gavriel · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

I tried some Te Reo lessons last year and really enjoyed the language, but not confident enough to use it in any real way.

felicity - wellington

Posted by felicity curtis · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

Te reo is important.

Fea - Otautahi

Posted by Fea Shaw · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

Taking part in this conscious effort to normalise the use of Te Reo, celebrate the language, and not be afraid to give it a go is an important part of my journey to decolonise my world view, and unlearn a lot of the bias I grew up with.

Faye - Hamilton

Posted by Faye Shaw · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

To learn more about the Maori language.

Fay - Rotorua

Posted by Fay Hudson · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

kia kore ai e ngaro to tatou reo.

Everlyne - Eketahuna

Posted by Everlyne Chase · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

Pūkaha is a National Wildlife Centre that was recently given back to the Rangitāne iwi, it is important to uphold Te Reo me ona Tikanga o ngā tipuna.

Evelyn - Hastings

Posted by Evelyn Hare · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

Because my father and whanau around me growing up were native speakers.

Evelyn - Hastings

Posted by Evelyn Leef · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

Participate in a really important Kaupapa.

Evelyn - Hamilton

Posted by Evelyn Paekau · September 14, 2020 7:17 PM

It's so important because I am Maori, can't be no other.

Evangeline - Tamaki

Posted by Evangeline Smith · September 14, 2020 7:16 PM

Im maori and trainging to be a teacher at te wananga o aotearoa .

Eva - Auckland

Posted by Geneva Tauetau · September 14, 2020 7:16 PM

Respecting and understanding Aotearoa's culture and history better!

Eugenia - Auckland

Posted by Eugenia Romboli · September 14, 2020 7:16 PM

To honor New Zealand history and inhabitants.

Eugene - Wellington

Posted by Eugene Cash · September 14, 2020 7:16 PM

It's an important part of being a New Zealander - it's an imporant part of who we are, our history and I want to acknowledge that a lot more.

Ethan - Tāmaki Makaurau

Posted by Ethan Davidson · September 14, 2020 7:16 PM

Te Reo Māori koia nei tātou taonga.

Etana - Auckland

Posted by Etana Novata · September 14, 2020 7:16 PM

I would love for Reo Maori to be more common in NZ.

Erin - Wellington

Posted by Erin Nickless · September 14, 2020 7:16 PM

Kia whakarauora te reo rakatira, mā te hāpori, mā te reo ā waha, me te mea nei te tipu o ngā tamariki i waekanui te reo e kōrero ana, mo ngā reanga e whai muri.

Erin - Auckland

Posted by Erin Hall · September 14, 2020 7:16 PM

I wish te reo Māori was taught more when I was at school and I want my children to experience it authentically at home and in school.

Eric - Rotorua

Posted by · September 14, 2020 7:16 PM

It is important to me because I am a proud New Zealander and Te Reo Maori is something that on only everyone in New Zealand should have some knowledge of and appreciate but it is also something this is unique to New Zealand.

Eric - Auckland

Posted by Eric Qin · September 14, 2020 7:16 PM

Because my teacher is making me.

Erena - Palmerston North

Posted by Erena Thompson · September 14, 2020 7:16 PM

This is important to me for two reasons: .

Emma Te Rangi - Turanga Nui A Kiwa

Posted by Emma Te Rangi Allison Haami - Jones · September 14, 2020 7:16 PM

Mōku ake kia ora te reo mo ngā rangi e haere ake nei ahakoa te aha, tipu ake ahau i roto i te reo māori nā reira e tika ana kia noho ko te reo māori hei tuāpapa māku ao te pō, pō te ao.

Emma - Timaru

Posted by Emma Batchelor · September 14, 2020 7:16 PM

I want to work as an educational psychologist.

Emma - Tāmaki Makaurau

Posted by Emma Collins · September 14, 2020 7:16 PM

I want to tautoko the revitalisation of te reo Māori and address the current imbalance of the position te reo holds within everyday life and mainstream media.

Emma - Porirua

Posted by Emma McClutchie · September 14, 2020 7:16 PM

It's important because this is the only place in the world, in all of te Ao, that we can speak, learn, sing and play in te reo Māori.

Emma - Featherston

Posted by Emma McDougall · September 14, 2020 7:16 PM

I’m a sixth generation New Zealander living in Aotearoa.

Emma - Christchurch

Posted by Emma Hay · September 14, 2020 7:16 PM

.

Emma - Auckland

Posted by Emma Sangha · September 14, 2020 7:16 PM

Because I think, Te Reo Māori should have more emphasis on it and used more commonly and widely across Aoteroa.

Emily - Waiheke

Posted by Emily King · September 14, 2020 7:16 PM

Te reo Maori is one of the things that makes our country so special and unique, it's our super power we just have to harness it and all make an effort to learn.

Emily - Auckland, New Zealand

Posted by · September 14, 2020 7:16 PM

Because my teacher said so!

Emily - Auckland

Posted by Emily Townsend · September 14, 2020 7:16 PM

I want te reo to be a proper language in New Zealand.

Emily - Auckland

Posted by Emily S · September 14, 2020 7:16 PM

As someone born and bred in Aotearoa I want to take part to do my part in learning and connecting with the culture of my country.

Emery - Tauranga

Posted by Emery Paekau · September 14, 2020 7:16 PM

Its important because our language is dying and we need to keep it alive.

Emelita - Auckland

Posted by Emelita Luisi · September 14, 2020 7:16 PM

Every moment starts with a single thought, a single act by a single individual.

Elspeth - Auckland

Posted by Elspeth Giles · September 14, 2020 7:16 PM

I love singing and tu Teri mai nga iwi is my favorite song.

elroy - Auckland

Posted by elroy muller · September 14, 2020 7:16 PM

To feel connected to the Tangata Whenua and to support others in their journey to be more culturally responsive.

Elodie - Auckland

Posted by Elodie Beltritti · September 14, 2020 7:16 PM

It is important for me because I am French and I decide to come and live in New Zealand and for me te reo Maori it is the first language of the country and I should be able to speak that language and knowing the history of my new country .

Elly - Tauranga

Posted by Shelly Paul · September 14, 2020 7:16 PM

I've recently migrated to Aotearoa from Australia, and felt it was important as a new arrival to learn/educate myself in Te reo Maori and the Maori culture.

Ellie - Kerikeri

Posted by Ellie Schoffelmeer · September 14, 2020 7:16 PM

I’d enjoy learning more everyday phrases in te Reo.

Ella - Wellington

Posted by Ella Arnst · September 14, 2020 7:16 PM

Connecting with my culture .

Elizabeth - Wellington

Posted by Elizabeth Crayford · September 14, 2020 7:16 PM

Some of my family are part of the Maori community and I would like to join in this important project to increase the use of te reo Maori.

Elizabeth - Randwick

Posted by Irihapeti Gainsborough-Smith · September 14, 2020 7:16 PM

to continue my learning my husband is a fluent speaker & I am still learning I love it & my passion is raranga .

Elizabeth - Auckland

Posted by Elizabeth Joe · September 14, 2020 7:16 PM

As a kaiako - I feel it's important to take part and teach our tamariki to understand the importance of Te Reo Māori.

Elisabeth - Auckland

Posted by Elisabeth Vaneveld · September 14, 2020 7:16 PM

I appreciate connecting with others on such an important and inspiring take, which provides another way that I can learn and grow my knowledge.

Eleonora - Wellington

Posted by Eleonora De Crescenzo · September 14, 2020 7:16 PM

When I moved to Aotearoa pakeha culture felt foreign to me, and intuitive as it asked me to leave my culture at the door and embrace more traditional British values in order to be accepted.

Eleanor - Invercargill

Posted by Eleanor Knox · September 14, 2020 7:16 PM

There are many aspects of Maori culture which I find very inspiring, and learning the language brings us all closer together.

Eleanor - Gold Coast Australia

Posted by Eleanor White · September 14, 2020 7:16 PM

We have been living in Australia since 1985, our four children were young then, which means our grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren are foreign to their te reo Maori, yet their wairua within tells them otherwise.

Elaine - Wellington

Posted by Elaine Newson · September 14, 2020 7:16 PM

I had a little Te Reo Maori education at primary school and attended some Te Reo Maori classes in my early 20s.

Elaine - Hamilton

Posted by Elaine K · September 14, 2020 7:16 PM

So that current and future generations do not lose this important heritage - language defines the people - who they are and where they have come from.