Greetings to us all.
Firstly, let me acknowledge those involved in the establishment of the Koha Shed in Rotorua. I understand that it grew from the idea of a few committed people to assist those families who are struggling to survive. What the whanau do is to collect in all sorts of things including furniture, clothing, utensils, etc, given to them to on-sell at reduced rates. I am told the place is widely supported, so let me offer my congratulations in their efforts for care for the wellbeing of others.
Just recently, the Maori Affairs Select Committee from Parliament went to Whakatane to hear submissions on the Tuhoe bill. It was a wonderful gathering. We heard of the aspirations of Tuhoe and a real desire to advance themselves to be self-determining and look after their own. They talk for themselves, they seek to look after and organise their own affairs. Te Urewera is of course at the heart of their claim and it will be governed by a board made up of representatives of Tuhoe and the Crown. The statement was made that Tuhoe will not exclude anyone from the Urewera. I wish them well.
I recently heard of a kura kaupapa Maori in Whanganui who have stated that those sending their children to their school must stay committed to that school and not send them to other schools to ensure continuity of Maori language. They have also established language classes for parents, which is a really enlightened approach. For perhaps 20 or more years, there has been a group who send their children to kohanga reo but then on to mainstream schools instead of kura kaupapa Maori or wharekura. Why? As far as I know, it is because of a concern that their children will not speak English and be disadvantaged as a result. Let's be clear that we have English all around us, day in day out, so our children will never be held back by not having English, it is our own language that is being threatened here. So it is great that language classes are being set up for parents so they can support their tamariki in learning through te reo Maori.
I have also heard of a school in Whangarei who have closed their doors to students from a local charter school because their school is one that is not supported by the teachers unions. I think that is sad indeed when politics get in the way of the learning of our children.
