Why do you have maori language week?

Answer 1

The Maori culture is a unique and special way of life. Maori language week is a very good way to try and revive, not only the language, but the way of life, passing on valuable life lessons to the younger generations to try and keep a little of the Maori way of life.

Actually I believe that the Maori culture and language is much stronger than it was 30 - 40 years ago when I was at school. I went to a school with many Maori students in my classroom and it was rare to hear anyone speak Te Reo but now I know many who are fluent in te Reo ( the Language) and not a few of these are European which is great.! My grand-daughter who is 1/4 Pacific Islander - i.e. not Maori - went to Kohanga Reo rather than Kindergarten and started school in a Bi-Lingual class. She is now in an ordinary class and going into year 3 next year but has a fair grounding and an interest in Maori language and culture. The school Kapa Haka groups include many non-Maori students. I believe the Maori culture as a whole is alive and growing which is fantastic. I am 53 now and have been learning little bits here and there for the last 4-5 years but not nearly enough. My New Years resolution will be to take classes in te Reo. To learn another's language is to gain a better understanding of them and their culture and surely is a good way to foster peace in the world. Also , many ,many place names in New Zealand are Maori so it is a smart thing to be able to correctly pronounce the names of your own towns.