I grew up in a predominantly pakeha/European community and was the only Maori girl in my final year at high school. My parents both knew a little Maori but when they were young they would get the strap for speaking Maori at school so were forced to converse in English and lost their Reo. I have always wanted to learn and now that I am older, and have my own children, I would like to set a good example to them by speaking Te Reo more often. I am fortunate now to be working for a social service organisation that encourages Te Reo at work so I find I feel more comfortable to do the same at home. It is a work in progress but one day I hope to enroll in an immersion course.
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