A lot of people are coming into the country and they don't know too much aboutRotorua or our
culture. I think it's developing and growing, understanding the culture could help the learning process. When I started teaching at Rotorua Lakes High School, Maori studies was compulsory for third form [Year 9].
It should be a strong part of the school curriculum. Because when we understand who we are we live together more harmoniously. To have that understanding, it makes us better peopleand that's growing well in Rotorua."
ROANA BENNETT, Te Taumata O Ngati Whakaue Iho Ake Trust general manager:
"For me, it's not so much about preserving the language. When you think about preserving something you think about an artifact. It's about making it a living language. I think we're at the stage now where we need every one speaking it."
She said most people would be familiar with some of the words, but we needed to build on that.
"I think it's a case of slowly introducing it more and making it natural for everybody. The aim will be that we are actually thinking in te reo, and I believe we can get there."
LIZZIE MARVELLY, singer/songwriter:
"A great start would be to make te reo compulsory in our primary and intermediate schools so that our rangatahi are exposed toour language early on.
Research shows that studying another language has a positive impact upon a child's learning so the benefits are many fold."
HEIDI SYMON, Apumoana Marae co-ordinator:
"It's really just normalising the language, making Maori a part of your everyday conversation especially for non-Maori to embrace the language too.
Another big thing is when people say things wrong not being mean about it, at least they are attempting. One of the ways we can normalise Maori is not making it a scary thing.
I'm not fluent, but I try to help people with the little things I know. It's about helping each other."
