Te reo has role to play
Arowhenua Marae ūpoko (head) Tewera King believes Te Reo Māori has a role to play in helping people overcome the significant challenges brought about by Covid-19.
As Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori Māori Language Week, kicks off for 2020, King said this year was different than previous years – citing the struggling economy and other effects of Covid-19.
‘‘It is still important, but there are a lot of things going on out there at the moment and I’ve got to take it in the context of how it will affect Māori and New Zealand.
‘‘Te Reo is one of those things if we promote it right, it could keep people emotionally motivated to stay strong during these uncertain pandemic and economic times,’’ King said. He said while it was nice to officially celebrate the language, te reo should be spoken and celebrated every day.
‘‘In one sense it’s nice to celebrate the week of Te Reo Māori language, but on another aspect it is not just a week.’’ He said a change in the name of The Timaru Herald for the first time in its 156-year history, is welcomed.
From today until Saturday, the newspaper will be known as Te Karere o Te Tihi o Maru. The name literally means the news of Timaru, King said. ‘‘It’s nice to see the change. I suppose it’s a recognition of the efforts of trying to maintain and evolve an indigenous language of this land.’’
King wanted to see more done to promote the language, including making lessons more accessible. ‘‘It is a bit of a struggle to find classes down this way in order to learn .
‘‘But there are classes, and you just need to look for them. The polytechs in Aotearoa offer classes.’’