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
