Tuesday, 31 July 2007

1 August 2007 - Maori Language Act Turns 20

Maori language became an official language of Aotearoa 20 years ago and shares its birthday with Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori, the Maori Language Commission.

Commission Chair Erima Henare says the Commission was established under the Maori Language Act 1987, to promote the use of Maori as a living language and as an ordinary means of communication.

"The success of this year's Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori (Maori Language Week) and Matariki (Maori New Year) celebrations has demonstrated a renewed commitment from all New Zealanders to play an active part in revitalisation efforts," says Henare.

Henare says reaching this milestone is a time to reflect and pay homage to the many people who in the 1970s reasserted their identity as Maori. "Their courage and activism was the catalyst for Maori language to be taught in schools, the introduction of Maori learning models and of reo Maori gaining official status."

Of particular note were groups like, Nga Tamatoa who petitioned parliament in 1972 to provide Maori language courses in schools. Later in 1986, it was the group Nga Kaiwhakapumau i te Reo Maori who submitted the Te Reo Maori Claim to the Waitangi Tribunal that resulted in the Maori Language Act being established.

"However, there is no doubt that the establishment of kohanga reo has played the most significant role in reviving the language. Today there are many other educational institutions working to regenerate te reo Maori including Kura Kaupapa and Whare Wananga," says Henare.

Broadcasting is also playing a critical role in language revitalisation, with the emergence of iwi radio stations and Maori television programming. In 2008, New Zealand will also see the launch of its first 100% te reo Maori television channel.

"The use of the haka performed by the All Blacks has gained world-wide acclaim as a symbol of New Zealand distinctiveness, culture and heritage," says Henare.

Although recent survey results suggest an increase in the health of the Maori language Henare forewarns complacency. "Although there is a resurgence of te reo Maori, a critical mass of fluent speakers of all ages is needed, as well as the continued support of the wider New Zealand community".

ENDS

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