The Māori Language: A Treasure Passed Down

Introduction

• Supporter: Soni Ngātai
• Tribes: Ngāti Rangi-u-Wihi, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Whātua
• Topic: Māori Language Week

History of the Māori Language

• Before World War II, the main language of the Māori people was the Māori language.
• After the war, the percentage of Māori speakers fell to 20% over 40 years.
• Laws punished children who spoke Māori in schools; speaking Māori was not allowed.
• In families that moved to cities, the language faded.

Resolutions

• 1972: Groups united to address the decline of the language.
  • Ngā Tamatoa, Young Māori Leaders' Conferences, and Māori Language Week.
  • Submitted a petition to Parliament with 30,000 signatures.
• Birth: Māori Language Day, which later became Māori Language Week.

Revitalization Efforts

• Goal: To give the Māori language a presence in New Zealand schools.
• First Kōhanga Reo: Pukeatua Kohanga Reo in 1982.
• First Kura Kaupapa Māori: Hoani Waititi in 1985.
• Established the Māori language as an official language in 1987 under the Māori Language Act.

Government Goals

• Main Goal: One million Māori speakers by 2040.

Conclusion

• Acknowledge those who fought for the Māori language.
• The Māori language is a treasured heritage; we must strive to speak it.