Te reo on the ukulele

UKE IT UP: The ukulele will be at the centre of the Uke It Up - Te Reo Styles Maori language programme taught out of Hauariki Marae in Martinborough from October 14. PHOTO/FILE

Two women experts in teaching music and te reo Maori are to lead lessons in the language to the lilt of the ukulele this month.

Marama Mete-Smith, a former international performer, stage writer and Polynesian dance tutor and singer, is to teach Level 1 and 2 reo Maori in the Uke It Up - Te Reo Styles programme alongside her life partner Rangitunoa Black over a 10-week period from October 14.

Ms Black is a renowned Maori teacher, writer, lecturer, producer, composer and musician, who worked on the translation to Maori of the sub-titled New Zealand feature film, White Lies, adapted from the book by Witi Ihimaera, that has just finished a season at Regent 3 Cinemas in Masterton.

Ms Mete-Smith said the language classes will be delivered with support from Wairarapa REAP for the duration of the school term and will be hosted at Hauariki Marae in Martinborough.

She said the aim of the initiative is to "inspire, enrich and revitalise our communities, our reo, and our marae here in Wairarapa through the avenue of music" .

"We believe the initiative can grow into something wonderful," she said.

Both women also offer professional development and motivation programmes to increase production within various businesses, creating understanding of Maori protocols and cultural models "for the safety and well-being of all", she said.

Uke It Up - Te Reo Styles classes will run Monday and Wednesday 10am to 12pm or 6pm to 8pm on the same days at Hauariki Marae in Martinborough from October 14.

The programme cost for each participant is $30 waged and $10 unwaged. For more information call Marama Mete-Smith on 022 173 8150 or email moikivalley@xtra.co.nz.