My Dads wish before he passed away a few weeks ago was to learn Māori, he spent his younger years working on the farm and so did not have the time to learn Te Reo. He would listen to us use basic commands with our son and would ask each time what they meant. He loved listening to Mr 5 say his kai karakia before each and every meal. So I along with my husband would teach Dad a few basic phrases in Māori and share their meanings in English like e noho - sit, e tu - stand, wharepaku - toilet, waiata - sing, ano - again, taiho all of which were words we would use to assist him while taking care of him. I want to be able to learn more myself and continue teaching my son in honor of my Dad. "Poipoia te kakano, kia puawai - Nurture the seed and it will blossom"
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