Several informants in both Kutarere and Wainui mentioned the effects that living in cities have on the Maori language. One woman said she was glad to be living in the country again as she feels she lost a lot of her Maori identity by not being able to use her Maori language while living in the city.
Another couple expressed regrets that their children seem to enjoy living in the city as they feel that they will lose their Maoritanga, if they have not lost it already.
A few people expressed the desire to learn Māori but more people said they regretted not having taught their children and grandchildren to speak Māori fluently. One man insisted that his nieces and nephews speak Maori and said he became quite angry when they replied in English. Others, while hoping their children will want to learn Maori, would not force them into it against their will.<
Te Moana-ā-Toi | Bay of Plenty | Ōpōtiki | 1970-79 | Story is by tangata whenua
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