Govt wants te reo in all primary schools

WELLINGTON: The Government wants the Maori language to be taught in all primary schools alongside maths and science.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said yesterday she wanted to be one of the last generation that was not taught.

Yesterday marked the start of Maori Language Week, an annual event that in recent years has received increasing attention from media, businesses and politicians.

Maori Development Minister Nanaia Mahuta said yesterday the Government wanted te reo to be a ‘‘core subject’’ in primary schools by 2025.

‘‘The Maori language is one of the best ways to say ‘We are New Zealanders’,’’ she said.

But with current shortages of teachers in the subject, there was a ‘‘huge challenge ahead’’.

Ms Ardern — who wants to raise her daughter, Neve, speaking both Maori and English — said the language was ‘‘part of who we are as a country’’.

‘‘I have an aspiration that my generation will be last generation to regret not having the chance to learn te reo Maori in our learning and education journey,’’ she said.

‘‘I am still, if it’s not obvious, at the beginning of my journey to learn te reo Maori.’’

Government ministers have avoided using the word ‘‘compulsory’’ — which has proved controversial in the past — in favour of ‘‘universal availability’’.

The primary teachers’ union and the Green Party yesterday called on the Government to go a step further and resource teaching in every class.

Data from the 2013 census suggested as few as 50,000 people spoke te reo at a high level, while about 150,000 were conversational.

The Government wants to have a million residents speaking at a basic level by 2040. —