Speaking up for te reo
UNIVERSITY of Otago Maori Students Association Maori Language Week activities are gaining momentum, week organiser Tukukino Royal says.
Mr Royal, a law student, said there was growing support for Te Roopu Maori (Maori Students Association) activities to mark the annual week on campus, and more events were being run this year. Mr Royal is the group’s communications officer
‘‘In terms of the Maori Students Association, restoring the reo [language] is something that’s at the top of our list.’’
‘‘The attitude towards te reo Maori has become better on campus,’’ including positive demand to learn more about the language, he said.
A cultural day was being offered as part of the week for the first time on the Otago campus tomorrow on the University Union lawn, and a Nga Manu Korihi (singing birds) wrist band initiative is also being offered for the first time at the Otago campus this year.
Fluent speakers of Maori are invited to wear a wrist band identifying them as available to join others in Maori conversation, or to offer support with Maori language skills, he said.
A barbecue will be offered on campus at 11am today.
The He Toki Award for the promotion and advancement of the Maori language at Otago is also expected to be announced today.
A pronunciation session will be held at the university Centre for Innovation at 5.30pm on Thursday.