Te reo Maori celebrated

THE EYES HAVE IT: Rhiley-Paige Wills showing her pūkana skills at Central School yesterday as the kura celebrated Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori. Pictures by Liam Clayton

Waiata, haka, and pūkana skills were on full display at Gisborne Central School's parade celebrating Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori yesterday.

All syndicates at the kura took part in creating banners and headbands promoting te reo Māori me ōna tikanga (Maori language and traditions) and showed them while parading around to waiata by Māori musicians like Hori and Rob Ruha.

Kaiako (teacher) Brian Walters organised the event and got the school involved in celebrating the fact they korero Māori.

“It's an important thing to do. I believe we will be a bilingual country in a few generations,” he said.

Mr Walters says he missed out on so much by not learning te reo Māori when he was younger.

“I wish I had experienced it more so I could bring it through to my teaching.

“If it's instilled in you when you are younger, it will follow you through life, and you won't be afraid to use words or make mistakes.”

Mr Walters is proud of the kura for incorporating as much te reo Māori as they can.

“I am ultra proud of the kaiako here; they all came through and supported this parade. It shows just how important it is for them and the tamariki.”

Mr Walters says the near-death of the language means we have lost traditions.

“We've lost a lot more than we will ever know. There are traditions that aren't being observed anymore and probably won't ever be. But we can hold on to what we already have and keep it alive.”

Mr Walters speaks as much te reo Māori to his class as he can, but he always makes sure to say the English translation so they will learn it.

“Be strong, be brave and use the Māori language whenever you can.”