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Tu Tangata, Issue 32, 1 October 1986, Page 40

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PITOPITO KORERO

The National Co-ordinator for the Maori language is calling for Maori Language Week to be extended.

Mr Rameka Cope said that with the introduction of the Maori language Bill the feeling has now moved away from the paternalistic approach towards the language. He says that more Maori people are getting upset that only one week is set aside for the maori language and that a considerable amount of time is more relevant. Director for Maori and Pacific Island Education, Mr Wiremu Kaa agreed with Mr Cope.

He said that Maori Language week is really just the focus of the Education Department’s Taha Maori scheme. Mr Kaa says that fifteen years ago when the idea of having Maori Language Week was first mooted, about ninety per cent of the total population wasn’t aware of anything maori. He says that that’s not the situation anymore and that it is now realistic to look at starting Maori Language Week in February and running right through to the end of the year.

The Education Department is launching a new programme aimed at meeting the needs of teaching maori in schools in the near future.

Called Te Atakura, the programme sets out to identify and train as teachers, skilled and knowledgeable people in the maori language, culture and customs.

Te Atakura is a marae based programme where the people identified are vouched for by their marae committee, elders and tribe.

These people will be especially sought for their depth of understanding the language and culture and their humility and dedication to the preservation and promotion of these.

These apprentice butchers are part of this year’s intake at Petone Technical Institute’s Meat Retailing course. Tutor, Bill Irons says by the time they complete their year, they’ll know how to handle a knife and know where the bones are. They are also gaining experience from working in the shop at the institute, and learning about handling customers. Bill says most butchers are still trained on the job as apprentices rather than doing the similar courses at Petone, Auckland or Christchurch. He says this is because butchers have their own style of cuts and presentation. The students gain work experience during holidays by working for butchers in their home area. This year’s intake includes three young women.