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Salient. Te Ao-Marama. Vol. 37, No. 7. September 11, 1974

Editorial — Te Ao-Marama

Editorial

Te Ao-Marama

Maori artwork

In the beginning, in the period of darkness called Te Po, when there was no sun, no moon, no stars, Papatuanuku the earth lay naked on her back, facing upwards. Ranginui the great sky saw her, desired her, came down and joined with her. To cover her and warm her he set plants and trees about her body, and in the vegetation he put animal life. Then Papatuanuku and Ranginui shaped their own offspring, who did not grow because they were cramped and confined by the continual embrace of their parents. Eventually they could stand the confinement no more, and set about gaining some freedom. After all the brothers had tried, it was Tane who finally separated his parents, by standing on his head and pushing them apart with his feet. Even now the falling rain and mist signify the grief which Ranginui, the sky, has for Papatuanuku, the earth, because of their separation. The world (Te Ao) which the children of Rangi and Papa lived in was still dark, so the sun was placed in the sky to give light by day, and the moon (marama) by night. So the world passed from the darkness of Te Po into the world of life and light, Te Ao-marama.

This prestigious name has been bestowed on Salient for National Maori Language Week. Salient has long been an advocate of the learning of Maori language and all the positive aspects and values of Maoritanga. Maori is not a difficult language to learn, and few of those who get into it would disagree that it is one of the most beautiful, rich and expressive of all languages.

Perhaps the keenest reason for learning Maori is that it is very much a living language, used right here in New Zealand in addition to and often in place of English. For too long 'integration' has been a one-way business, and the neglect of the Maori side has resulted in its near extinction. Learning the language is one way for Pakehas to reverse this tendency. Those who have heard its power on the marae or in hui and meetings anywhere, or those who have sat around a fireside hearing song and conversation in Maori, need no further encouragement to learn. Tihei Mauriora! It is alive, deeply, musically expressive, and warm.

The recent tangihanga for a Labour Prime Minister who was greatly respected by Maoris, showed the language, its imagery, its versatility as a medium of emotions, at its best. But New Zealanders should not sit back and let Maori do their mourning, and for that matter their welcoming, for them. Because everybody can learn at least something of Maoritanga and in particular Maori language, and everybody should. Akona te reo Maori!

—R.W. Steele