Embracing a taonga with open minds

Today the Manawatu¯ Standard is also Hau Rewa Manawatu¯ . It will be the same tomorrow, and each day after, regardless of which banner looms large across the page.

Today also marks the beginning of Ma¯ ori Language Week, which is no coincidence. But it’s my hope readers recognise Hau Rewa Manawatu¯ as more than a mere gimmick.

Te reo Ma¯ ori is a language in a state of transition.

For our children it is commonplace. It is a song, a blessing, a myth, that comes alive in the back seat on family trips, or at the dinner table.

For many of our parents it was deemed extraneous or obsolete, a mystery to be left entangled and complicated.

And for us it presents an opportunity.

Hau Rewa Manawatu¯ is a gesture, an affirmation, an open hand and open mind amid the evolving conversation on New Zealand’s identity. Te reo Ma¯ ori is a taonga, a national treasure, and is something that should be accessible to everyone. Every gesture counts.

This week we feature stories about the reo and our people who speak it.

Today, Roslyn School pupils outline what the language means to them. Tomorrow, we will see how total immersion in the language works for Mana Tamariki pupils and their families. We’ll tell more stories throughout the week.

Nga mihi.