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Media release

6 July 2011

Let’s get the violence out of our kõrero in our whānau.

Tātai Atawhai – the Māori Roopu of The Waitākere Taskforce On Family Violence – says it’s time to take the violence out of our kõrero in our whānau.

“The language in our communities and in many of our whānau and the public has become violent,” says Chair of Tātai Atawhai Bobby Newson.

“We are heavily influenced by the media and swearing has become part of our vernacular. I believe that violence starts with violent language. So a violent act is always preceded by violent words.

“If we remove the violence from our language, physical violence may decrease.”

Bobby says it’s important to use positive language around our tamariki, and our whānau at all times, a good time to start this is during Te Wiki o te reo Māori. Some simple phrases we can use are:

• Aroha mai – which means I’m sorry. Say “Aroha mai”, “I’m sorry.” It shows empathy and caring, this is about love.

• “Kia ora” or “Tena koe” – for thank you. This is also a salutation meaning ‘good life’or greetings to you. When you wish to say thank you, say, “kia ora” or “tena koe.”

• “Ataahua” – beautiful. “Tõ ataahua rā” “You are beautiful” – a few words that will lift the wairua of your tamariki, mokopuna.

“Always start the day by saying something positive things to your loved ones, and never let the day go by - if you have unresolved issues with your whānau or friends”.

“Manaakitanga” is about hospitality and supporting and helping others. The words have got to be supported by the actions, actions speak louder than words. The home is where it all starts from, for often what is practiced in the home in our whānau, is what is taken into our communities – the same applies to Te Reo Maori – Kia kaha ki te kõrero i te Reo Māori i te kāinga me ngā waahi mahi. Kia Ora.

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