Tumeke, Jack
Hallelujah, finally someone has had the courage to speak up about Jack Tame and his excessive (I call it OTT) use of Maori words on the Breakfast show (TVG, May 13-19). Is he trying to prove something after living in the USA for years by showing he still knows how to use te reo Maori? Even when standing in for Mike Hosking on Seven Sharp he felt the need to use it. You don’t hear that normally on Seven Sharp, so why did he think he should? As noted, we have Te Karere and the Maori channel for that, so why suddenly the excessive use of it on Breakfast? This has only come about since the change of presenters, so bring back the old team and put us all out of our misery. I for one can’t listen to it any more, and after all these years have finally changed channels. Deborah G (Stratford)
I would hardly call Jack Tame’s use of Maori “excessive”. I have absolute respect for this young man. After a successful time reporting in the States he returns to his home country and embraces his career, inclusive of Maori greetings and salutations. Why would you put Jack down? He should be commended. His pronunciation is great and Jack’s wairua (spirit) is evident. If he were my son I would be so proud. Daniel also has great pronunciation and is lovely to listen to. It is disappointing Hilary and Brodie don’t reciprocate the lovely Maori greetings from Jack and Daniel. To Colleen C – I believe Maori is a beautiful language and it belongs to whoever wants to embrace and respect it. The mayor of Gisborne is a Chinese New Zealander and is fluent in te reo Maori. Do you also categorise him as “not sounding right”? If you tried to open your mind to learn just a little Maori you may have more respect for our gentle language. Tere Harris (Auckland)