UCOL spokeswoman Shivarn Stewart said there were currently 188 students enrolled in both the beginner and intermediate te reo courses across the four UCOL campuses, ranging from students in their 20s to grandparents wanting to learn alongside their grandchildren. The courses are free for all students, and co-ordinators say they've seen a significant uptake in recent years.
One student, Mahalee Guieysse, started learning te reo as her sixth language in late August and has loved the interaction and hands on learning the classes provided.
"The beginners' class has been incredible. I never knew this type of learning existed and its a really beautiful way to learn not only te reo Maori but also other important cultural aspects," Guieysse said.
UCOL Whanganui campus manager Bronwyn Paul said te reo Māori was fundamental to New Zealand identity.
"It is a cornerstone of Aotearoa New Zealand's culture. We see learners taking part in these free classes for so many different reasons – to connect with their roots, to share it with family, to do better in their jobs or just for their own enjoyment," she said.
"When we share language with each other we can better understand each other, and that's something a lot of Kiwis are really passionate about."
