Colonisation took my reo, my mana, my culture - It's time to take our mana back through learning te reo Māori. I've been ignorant to that fact all my life. I have never really had the desire to learn my mother tongue until today. I'm not sure why? It's like a lightbulb came on in my head.

I was born and raised in Auckland and went to school in a multicultural climate. I didn't know anyone who spoke the Reo except my Nan, but she only spoke it to my mum, who would answer back in English.

I now live in Te Urewera among the Tuhoe people who speak Te Reo fluently and it's so beautiful to hear the words flowing out of them, especially the tamariki.

I was privileged to sit in with a group of wahine toa today out at Ruatoki. The conversation was mostly in Te Reo Māori and although I don't speak it, I was surprised that I was able to understand enough to contribute my "20c" into the conversation. It motivated me or contributed to my lightbulb moment. When I arrived at work, I checked my emails and come across this email and decided to join. I have printed out the resources and will take them home to learn them.

Small beginnings but hey... beginning is the journey started!

Thank you all ...let's get our mana back. Kia Kaha Te Reo Māori!

Ake Ake Ake...A Forever Language