Greetings. Isn't it something really special to see someone learn their own language? Recently, the language forum of Te Puawananga o Te Arawa concluded its seminars for the term and language revitalisation was one of the fruits produced.
Fifty to 60 attendees arrived eagerly at each of the three live-incourses run over weekends, bunking in on the marae and studying such things as correct constructions of the language and its grammatical intricacies, all conducted in a total immersion setting.
So how was it that such great outcomes were to come from the wananga? Probably a combination of dedicated teachers, the supportive learning environment on the marae, and a group of people who were hungry to learn. This is the way to teach! For the students of the wananga and their families and communities, the positive results of their learning will be seen for a long time to come.
Recently I attended the graduation of students of Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi in Whakatane - what a great day. There was a real range of people from all over the country graduating from this institution, receiving everything from doctorates to certificates and diplomas. The town hall was full and everyone was witness to the lesson that one's learning never ends!
Both of these events - the wananga and the graduation - acknowledge the significance of Maori language and culture. In places like Rotorua and Whakatane, this is absolutely appropriate, though we do not always see acknowledgement. I was at the opening of a business venture in Rotorua where there was a welcoming party with elders present and a challenge laid down for the opening ceremony. The business is situated on Maori land and this welcome was done for their benefit, though once inside the building there was not one thing Maori to be seen.
I suggested they could hang a photo of myself on the wall to bring that Maori flavour! Only joking!
Rotorua is not a city like Auckland and Christchurch - we are a distinctly Maori town built on Maori land with Maori branding and Maori inhabitants. We have a rich Maori history; Maori culture has been integral to our business and economic development; much of the tourism enterprise here draws on te Ao Maori as a distinctive feature of this region. Sometimes we tend to forget that.
I welcome your feedback, email: mpwaiariki@parliament.govt.nz ph: (07) 350 3261.
