When Hakatere Marae’s new co-ordinator assistant Tk Paul was a preschooler, he attended the Hakatere Marae kohanga reo.
He revelled in learning te reo Māori, but when he started school was stopped from speaking the language.
But today, as Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori/Māori Language Week is under way this week, the 34-year-old is optimistic about the future of the language.
For the first time, he and a small team from the marae are providing a variety of events to celebrate the week.
They range from twirling pois and waiata (singing) to putiputi (flax flowers) making and displaying arts and crafts.
Saturday will be the last of the marae’s hauora/ health days for the year. This is an opportunity to get a variety of health checks done for free. While the day is for anyone, there is a focus on tane/men’s health.
‘‘We got the inspiration to offer the activities from other maraes. We thought ‘If they can do it why can’t we?’’’ Paul said.
Paul said he believed the new Māori Queen Ngawai Hono ki Parakino, like her late-father Kingi Tuheitia Potatau Te Wherowhero VII, would use the avenue of te reo to help unite Māori and non Māori.
‘‘It’s good for people to learn some Maori even if it’s just kia ora (hello), ka kite (good bye), kei te pehea koe? (how are you?),’’ Paul said.
‘‘I’m more than excited to see more and more people and organisations using te reo Māori,’’ he said.
‘‘Going forward I hope there are Māori language classes offered at the marae, in classrooms and the community.’’
The Māori Language Commission says Māori Language Week has been celebrated every year since 1975. Māori Language Day was September 14 and commemorates the presentation of the 1972 Māori language petition to Parliament.
– Hakatere Marae is offering free events to celebrate Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori/MāoriLanguage Week. Today from 10am to 1pm visitors can learn how to make fried bread and tomorrow from 11am to 2pm there is a hauora/ health day, with health checks, advice and support, kai and games.
