Maori language week observed in local schools

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 9, 29 July 1986, Page 8

Maori language week observed in local schools

Maori Language Week was observed in Waimarino schools last week. At Ngamatea School principal Nigel Bioletti led pupils in Maori singing and language. He said that his students are already quite fluent in the Maori tongue. Rangataua School already has Maori language classes on a regular basis so there was no change. The Te Kohanga Reo group from Ohakune's Maungarongo Marae, visits the school ! on Thursdays and Fridays each week. I Infants from the junior remedial class at Raetihi School had been building towards Maori language week. For the two to three weeks before they were very active in speaking and singing Maori. | They already know the basics of the language. Last week all schools in the Waimarino were 1 visited by a Maori culture group from the Hawkes Bay. "Te Waka Tapu O Takitimu" entertained and enthralled audience with songs and dances.

Ohakune Primary School already has regular Maori classes on Wednesday and Thursday of each week during which they learn the basics of the language from Mrs Biddy Mareikura. Pupils from primer one to Form two take part in the lessons. At present the junior classes are preparing for their fancy dress concert at the end of the term. The concert will feature several Maori action songs, as will the final breakup at the end of the year. Pupils at Pipiriki School, already speak Maori at home, as well as learning in class. In conjunction with Maori language week Ruapehu College studens heard Maungarongo Marae kaumatua Matthew Mareikura speaking of his upbringing and the influence of the Maori language on his early life. Mr Mareikura is an old pupil of Ruapehu College and a member of the board of governors, as well as being a respected member of the community.

Mr Mareikura said that he felt strongly about his "reo" or native tongue and stressed the importance of the correct pronunciation of Maori words and names. Other nationalities too, he said, have the right to speak in whatever language they are versed in. "Respect the rights of others, and you would have learned to respect yourself," he said. Each morning last week, the college had Maori language with their morning notices. Mrs Merrilyn George, a teacher at the college, has been actively involved with Maori language week and has compiled a number of phrases. For example, on Friday 24 July, there Was "Ahakoa he iti te matakahi, ka pakuru i a au te totara," translated as "although the wedge is small, it will shatter the totara tree". Mrs George also chose the kowhaiwhai designs that decorate this page. Each has its own special meaning.