Educators welcome proposal for Te Reo in schools
6 July 2017
NZEI Te Riu Roa has welcomed a new report that outlines a plan for Te Reo Māori to become a core curriculum subject.
Te Taura Whiri I Te Reo Māori (Maori Language Commission) commissioned the NZCER report, which proposes raising the
status and increasing the use of Te Reo by making it a core curriculum subject beginning in Year 1 in 2020 until it is
included in all levels up to Year 13 by 2037.
NZEI President Lynda Stuart said teachers understood the importance of nurturing Te Reo for all New Zealanders but often
didn’t feel equipped or confident enough to teach it effectively.
“This proposal is a good move and a strong plan that can be implemented effectively over time as teachers are supported
to increase their Te Reo proficiency,” she said.
“We encourage the government to embrace this proposal and resource it to become a reality.
“Learning languages is already part of the curriculum and Te Reo is the language of Aotearoa. Normalising Te Reo makes
learning more inclusive for Maori children and must be part of our commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi.”
ends