Maoritanga

THE Maori language has overtaken the use of Latin as the language of the elite. At the same time, words like aroha, tangi, and kia ora find their way into everyday use.

Education Minister Chris Hipkins wants more Maori to be spoken in school.

Already, it is current on national radio. It would do well to avoid resistance and even antipathy to these moves. This is still inevitable with such change.

Shifting the focus to kawa Maori might be a good move. Introducing the culture, waiata (song), and other necessities would create a seamless link between one nation and the next over the forthcoming generations.

Already, there is much uptake of death and burial rituals, across the board, where the process of assimilation can work both ways.

With this thought in mind, mana will be restored in this country. For everyone.

David George

Cromwell ..................................