Time to give te reo a try
2
Wairarapa Midweek
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Time to give te reo a try A couple of weeks back, I had the privilege of meeting Irihapeti Roberts and Shari Taylor, cofounders of new adult kapa haka group Te Rangiura o Wairarapa (our front page story last week). For many of its performers, Te Rangiura o Wairarapa has been an opportunity to freely speak te reo, when previously they had been afraid — for fear of being ridiculed by peers. This got me thinking about the current state of te reo in New Zealand, and attitudes towards it. Te Reo Maori is enshrined in law (Maori Language Act 1987) as an official language of Aotearoa — as is New Zealand Sign Language. English is the de facto because of its widespread use. Yet, in my daily life, I have encountered contempt for te reo. In Wairarapa, Maori place names are regularly mispronounced: Kahutara (CowHow-Tra) and Taratahi (TaraTie), for example. Some take pleasure in their mispronunciation and correct those who speak properly — because to do so is “PC gone mad”. Friends who work in the health sector have been accused of pandering to Maori when using karakia. Others’ children have used nicknames because teachers didn’t bother learning to pronounce their names. Colleagues have rolled their eyes when asked to learn a few words in te reo for work. Not to mention the couple who appeared on Campbell Live, furious their daughter’s daycare centre had taught her words like“kai” and “whanau”. The young worker disciplined for greeting customers with “kia ora”. Our own PM, who believes a Maori Language Month would be “boring”. Is it any wonder Maori have shied away from their language? Is it the fear that if we advocate for the marginalised, our rights will disappear? As academic Kahurangi Maxwell wrote, “[these attitudes] are founded in
RACHEL
Just ‘Cause Erin Kavanagh-Hall [email protected]
a belief that English must remain predominant and might be threatened.” A perception Maori is useless — from the days when children were caned and told they must “korero Pakeha” if they wanted work? Plain old racism? A friend told me she couldn’t muster the enthusiasm for te reo when she often sees Maori in her neighbourhood living in poverty, battling addiction and neglecting their children. We need more than a language revival to deal with these issues, she thought. But we’re talking about a people whose language was beaten out of them. Who, because of colonial arrogance and systemic prejudice, were divorced from their culture and customs. Surely therefore, a friendly word in te reo and a correctly pronounced town is a step forward? To show Maori their words, part of our cultural fabric, are cherished, and they are not strangers in our country? If we’re fine with our All Blacks throwing down a challenge in Maori before a game, then we can use a few words in our conversations. So, give it a try, and say Ka-hu-ta-ra. You’ll find it goes a long way.
Write to us!
WE WELCOME YOUR LETTERS
WISHFUL THINKING ould the world wpier be a hap place if.... “Animals like me were treated with the kindness, respect and dignity we deserve, and all had wonderful, caring homes. And if we had a life-time supply of chewy treats.” Indie the Rottweiler, Pet Idol winner, Carterton
A CHRISTMAS GIFT!
Letters can be sent to Midweek, P O Box 445, Masterton, or emailed to [email protected]
wta091215supamelia
PRECIOUS BUNDLE: A big welcome to the newest member of the Times-Age and Midweek family — little Amelia Grace Denholm, brand new baby daughter of Times-Age general manager Andrew Denholm and wife Elizabeth. Amelia, a little sister to Riley, 5, was born on December 4 — the perfect early Christmas present! More adorable young Wairarapa citizens can be found on page 13.
de The writer’s name must be included. Noms plume are not accepted. An address andbephone must tion) publica for (not r numbe included for checking purposes. Letters may be abridged or edited.
COMPLAINTS PROCESS This newspaper is subject to New Zealand Press Council procedures. A complaint must first be directed in writing to the editor’s email address, [email protected]. If not satisfied with the response, the complaint may be
referred to the Press Council, PO Box 10-879, The Terrace, Wellington 6143. Or use the online complaint form at www.presscouncil.org.nz. Please include copies of the articles and all correspondence with the publication.
RETIRE TO
Quality living with olde world charm, set in tranquil gardens with established trees
WE HAVE ROOMS AVAILABLE NOW FOR SHORT OR LONG TERM CARE • • • • • • • • •
21 rooms, some with ensuites, all with hand washing facilities One main corridor with easy access to bedrooms We provide Day, Respite & Long Term care Lock up shed with power for mobility scooters Weekday recreation programme with emphasis on community outings Very family orientated • Pleasant friendly environment Home baking plus fruit & cheese platter every night Happy hour every afternoon Own van for outings • 24 hour registered nurse available
88 Cole Street, Masterton
Phone 06 3772292
Call Cheryl Powell
CALL OR VISIT US
TODAY
Wairarapa Midweek
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Time to give te reo a try A couple of weeks back, I had the privilege of meeting Irihapeti Roberts and Shari Taylor, cofounders of new adult kapa haka group Te Rangiura o Wairarapa (our front page story last week). For many of its performers, Te Rangiura o Wairarapa has been an opportunity to freely speak te reo, when previously they had been afraid — for fear of being ridiculed by peers. This got me thinking about the current state of te reo in New Zealand, and attitudes towards it. Te Reo Maori is enshrined in law (Maori Language Act 1987) as an official language of Aotearoa — as is New Zealand Sign Language. English is the de facto because of its widespread use. Yet, in my daily life, I have encountered contempt for te reo. In Wairarapa, Maori place names are regularly mispronounced: Kahutara (CowHow-Tra) and Taratahi (TaraTie), for example. Some take pleasure in their mispronunciation and correct those who speak properly — because to do so is “PC gone mad”. Friends who work in the health sector have been accused of pandering to Maori when using karakia. Others’ children have used nicknames because teachers didn’t bother learning to pronounce their names. Colleagues have rolled their eyes when asked to learn a few words in te reo for work. Not to mention the couple who appeared on Campbell Live, furious their daughter’s daycare centre had taught her words like“kai” and “whanau”. The young worker disciplined for greeting customers with “kia ora”. Our own PM, who believes a Maori Language Month would be “boring”. Is it any wonder Maori have shied away from their language? Is it the fear that if we advocate for the marginalised, our rights will disappear? As academic Kahurangi Maxwell wrote, “[these attitudes] are founded in
RACHEL
Just ‘Cause Erin Kavanagh-Hall [email protected]
a belief that English must remain predominant and might be threatened.” A perception Maori is useless — from the days when children were caned and told they must “korero Pakeha” if they wanted work? Plain old racism? A friend told me she couldn’t muster the enthusiasm for te reo when she often sees Maori in her neighbourhood living in poverty, battling addiction and neglecting their children. We need more than a language revival to deal with these issues, she thought. But we’re talking about a people whose language was beaten out of them. Who, because of colonial arrogance and systemic prejudice, were divorced from their culture and customs. Surely therefore, a friendly word in te reo and a correctly pronounced town is a step forward? To show Maori their words, part of our cultural fabric, are cherished, and they are not strangers in our country? If we’re fine with our All Blacks throwing down a challenge in Maori before a game, then we can use a few words in our conversations. So, give it a try, and say Ka-hu-ta-ra. You’ll find it goes a long way.
Write to us!
WE WELCOME YOUR LETTERS
WISHFUL THINKING ould the world wpier be a hap place if.... “Animals like me were treated with the kindness, respect and dignity we deserve, and all had wonderful, caring homes. And if we had a life-time supply of chewy treats.” Indie the Rottweiler, Pet Idol winner, Carterton
A CHRISTMAS GIFT!
Letters can be sent to Midweek, P O Box 445, Masterton, or emailed to [email protected]
wta091215supamelia
PRECIOUS BUNDLE: A big welcome to the newest member of the Times-Age and Midweek family — little Amelia Grace Denholm, brand new baby daughter of Times-Age general manager Andrew Denholm and wife Elizabeth. Amelia, a little sister to Riley, 5, was born on December 4 — the perfect early Christmas present! More adorable young Wairarapa citizens can be found on page 13.
de The writer’s name must be included. Noms plume are not accepted. An address andbephone must tion) publica for (not r numbe included for checking purposes. Letters may be abridged or edited.
COMPLAINTS PROCESS This newspaper is subject to New Zealand Press Council procedures. A complaint must first be directed in writing to the editor’s email address, [email protected]. If not satisfied with the response, the complaint may be
referred to the Press Council, PO Box 10-879, The Terrace, Wellington 6143. Or use the online complaint form at www.presscouncil.org.nz. Please include copies of the articles and all correspondence with the publication.
RETIRE TO
Quality living with olde world charm, set in tranquil gardens with established trees
WE HAVE ROOMS AVAILABLE NOW FOR SHORT OR LONG TERM CARE • • • • • • • • •
21 rooms, some with ensuites, all with hand washing facilities One main corridor with easy access to bedrooms We provide Day, Respite & Long Term care Lock up shed with power for mobility scooters Weekday recreation programme with emphasis on community outings Very family orientated • Pleasant friendly environment Home baking plus fruit & cheese platter every night Happy hour every afternoon Own van for outings • 24 hour registered nurse available
88 Cole Street, Masterton
Phone 06 3772292
Call Cheryl Powell
CALL OR VISIT US
TODAY
