Don Brash says Whangarei Girls' High School's Waiora powerful, but views on te reo the same

Ngarimu Tangaroa Wyatt (far left), who plays one of the spirits in Waiora, with Meg Robinson, who plays Steve, and Don Brash. Photo/Supplied

Don Brash says Whangarei Girls' High School's production of Waiora was "powerful" and he had to remind himself the actors were students.

But it hasn't changed his opinion on the use of te reo Maori on National Radio.

William (Bill) Walker, Whangarei Girls' High School drama teacher, invited the former National and Act Party leader to view the Year 13 production Waiora after hearing Mr Brash asking why he should have to listen to Maori being spoken on National Radio during an interview with the station earlier this month. Mr Brash accepted and attended the Thursday night show.

"It was a very powerful production indeed, as Bill Walker said it would be, and it was a good play itself and the cast, I thought, handled it very professionally. I had to remind myself that these were high school students," Mr Brash said.

Waiora, by Hone Kouka, is set in the 1960s and follows a Maori family who move away from their home town Waiora to the new Pakeha world in the South Island. It explores te reo Maori and Hone, the father in the production, discourages his family from speaking the language, particularly around the Pakeha characters.

When Mr Brash was asked if he had reflected on the use of te reo Maori in today's society and on stations like RNZ, he said he hadn't changed his views fundamentally.

"What it did illustrate is that many Maori parents themselves wanted their kids to become fluent in English because it is the passport to modern New Zealand.

"I can see why many people think learning it is a very important priority. I guess my view is that for every single New Zealander, no matter what their ethnic background, having a strong knowledge of English is a fundamental value," he said.

Mr Walker said he did not expect Mr Brash to change his opinion overnight and making the effort to come meant he was engaging, which was a good thing.

"What he could not fail but take away is that Maori tikanga is so important to a lot of people, the kids especially, but also the audience. There was a lot Pakeha there and they were just as blown away. Don Brash doesn't really represent mainstream Pakeha," he said.

Waiora was first performed in May but was brought back for a second season following demand. It has been so popular two extra shows were held on Thursday and last night.