July 21, 2014
Reo needs to be primary choice
The acting chief executive of Te Taura Whiri I Te Reo Maori says getting the language into primary and intermediate schooling is critical for its survival.
Pita Paraone says the current Maori Language Week is particularly important given the latest census figures showing a decline in the number of fluent speakers.
He says the future of language is at a critical stage, and a call by Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples for all schools to offer it as an option indicates the seriousness of the issue.
"Te reo Maori is not an option available in primary and intermediate schools and I think we need to start at that level because if we want the future of our language to be sustained, it has to begin with our young children." Mr Paraone says.
There also needs to be more emphasis on te reo Maori being used in the home.
The Maori language commission is encouraging whanau to learn one kupu a week for the next 50 weeks, to increase their grasp of the language.
FOR THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH PITA PARAONE CLICK ON THE LINK
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