Hon Parekura Horomia
Minister of Mäori Affairs
Associate Minister of Education

20 July 2006 (3.00pm)
Mystery Creek, Hamilton Speech Notes

Launch of the Makorea Resource Kapa Haka Nationals, Mystery Creek

Tēnā koutou katoa.

Mihi.

I am delighted to be at the Secondary School National Kapa Haka competition launching a resource for whare kura students. That we are announcing this following the breakfast launching Te Wiki o te Reo Māori is very commendable.

With great honour we pay tribute to Katerina Mataira, the author of the first Māori language novel - Makorea. This work of language excellence has been transformed from print into sound. Katerina has brought the poetic language of the tangi, the oriori and the mōteatea to Māori learners, with a level of ease and familiarity that will leave the learner eager to seek deeper understandings. Without Katerina and her work, we would not be launching this resource. And how appropriate it is to be launching it here.

I would like to acknowledge the combined efforts of Ahuru Enterprises and the Ministry of Education. Together they have created audio CDs and teacher notes.

It is wonderful to also acknowledge the partnership between Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori and the Ministry of Education on this occasion with the inclusion of a nine episode radio serial in the resource package. I understand that the serial will be made available on www.koreromaori.co.nz the interactive website created by Te Taura Whiri last year.

The package will be sent to kura around the country and I'm hopeful that each kura represented here today will also be able to take a copy home with them.

Makorea enriches learning in Māori medium by telling a story that is relevant to the reader both as a story about Māori and about teenagers.

It fills a need for wharekura students by providing a Māori language teaching resource aimed specifically at them.

A key priority for the Ministry of Education is to ensure the educational success of Māori by working, thinking and relating in ways that meet Māori education needs.
The education system is crucial to supporting te reo and tikanga Māori, and providing opportunities to access te ao Māori, the Māori world.

Makorea fills a need for wharekura students by providing a Māori language teaching resource aimed specifically at them.

I have high expectations for the success of our schooling system, to equip you all for a demanding future, a future where you can realise your potential. Just like the Makorea novel, which ends with glimpses into the bright and positive future. Stand Tall Tamariki. Embrace te reo, embrace your learning, and look forward to the future.

Kia ora

ENDS

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