Language Week embraced
Maori Language Week was busy from the time the first Communal Karakia was held at Makirikiri Marae at 9am Monday. Following the karakia focus moved to The Hub where a variety of experiences all promoting Maori language were run for children and adults. There were mix and match games for the puzzlers, floor scrabble for the thinkers, a reading corner for the contemplative and stick games for the energetic.
Several adults spoke about their learning of te reo through the UCOl course run by Te Wananga o Aotearoa, St S Joseph’s Kapahaha gave a taste of what was to come tomorrow at the Kapahaka Festival and Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Tamaki Nui a Rua also showed why they were training for the regional finals.
Focus moved to the Catching Pen on Tuesday with the visit by Te Hamua Nikora of Maori Television fame.
One of the Rangitane o Tamaki Nui a Rua organisers Kelly Paewai said:
“What a thrill to see ‘Te Tapere Nui o Wha¯tonga’ [the great forest of Wha¯tonga] on the front page of the Bush Telegraph and a great way to start Te Wiki o Te Reo.
“The overwhelming support from the local businesses in displaying the reo and participating in Rapu Taonga — the Treasure Hunt — made sure the event was front and centre all week.”