Although many of the kaumatua age group had been punished for speaking Maori at school, the language was still a very important part of their lives. Some parents were attending waiata and language classes in the area, and, while they were sorry they no longer spoke Maori fluently, they encouraged their children to learn the language and culture. The part played by the local primary school in the teaching of Maori is an important one which is fully supported by the community.
Te Matau-a-Māui | Hawke’s Bay | Hastings | 1970-79 | 5% of Māori children can speak te reo. (1970-75) | Story is by tangata whenua
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