Te reo Māori book written by giants of Māori world launched in Rotorua

Sir Timoti Karetu, front left, and Dr Wharehuia Milroy, front right. at Mataatua Marae for the launch. Photo/Ben Fraser

Two giants of the Māori world launched their new book, written entirely in te reo, under the winter sunshine in Rotorua.

More than 40 friends, colleagues and whānau members gathered at Mataatua Marae on Saturday for the launch of He Kupu Tuku Iho, the first book to be published by Auckland University Press entirely in te reo Māori.

Co-authors Sir Tīmoti Kāretu and Dr Wharehuia Milroy are widely recognised as two of the leading teachers and scholars of Māori language and culture.

Outside the marae, shoes and hats were left in all sizes as multiple generations came together in remembrance and celebration of their latest achievement.

There was laughter as friend and colleague Waihoroi Shortland got up to speak.

"In the past I have told them off for spending so much time away from their own people, that the people deserve more.

"Then, of course, I had to tell them, if they owe Tūhoe anything, they've repaid it 10 times back to the country through this contribution."

Shortland said he had spent a lot of time working as an apprentice under Kāretu and Milroy.

"We've all walked this road of language revitalisation, for many years.

"Every day someone who was a purveyor of the Māori language dies and with them go experiences you can't replace.

"Today Timoti and Wharehuia have left their works, their views, their standing on te reo and now we don't have to worry so much about losing their language in the future.

"It's always going to be there for us to follow and pursue."

He Kupu Tuku Iho will not be published in English and is intended for those truly immersed in Māori culture.

Milroy said they were blessed to have a launch on such a fine day.

"We hope what we've written will be of assistance for the generations to come, that they will benefit from what we've created."

He said the pair had maintained a good relationship during the writing process without any arguments.

"He would remind me of things that perhaps I missed out on and likewise I'd think about things he'd missed out.

"We have supported each other and have worked well with each other over many years."

Kāretu said the book was for the more "serious" te reo student.

"Let's hope this is an inspiration and its contents prove to be of interest and a functional addition to the Māori language."