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Maori Language Week

National Maori Language Week 1974 began on Sunday, September 8, with a forum on Maori Theology at the Ngati Poneke Hall. This began with a Karakia, an inter-denominational service followed by a luncheon. Then the Rev. Maui Marsden, from Auckland, spoke on Maori theology. He said that the young Maoris of today who claim to follow no religious beliefs at all, really adhere to many traditional Maori spiritual concepts (such as mauri, ihi, tapu) In their marae customs and social ceremonies. These concepts have much the same function today as in pre-European times.

The following day saw a two-hour programme of both modern and traditional songs and poetry of the Maori, performed at the Waitangirua Mall. One the same morning, members of Te Reo Maori Society met with the Ministers of Education and Maori Affairs at Parliament Buildings to discuss the Maori language. They presented the submissions which were reprinted in last week's Salient.

On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, the carved wharenui (meeting house) at Waiwhetu marae was opened to the public and visiting parties were conducted through.

At lunch time on Wednesday the University Union Hall came alive with the sound and sight of haka, action songs, and traditional games presented by Te Reo Maori Society. At one point some elementary language instruction was given, and hundreds of students joined in the singing and followed the actions. The programme also included modern Maori literature, with a reading of some of Hone Tuwhare's latest poems, and a presentation by poet Rowley Habib. The Maori rock band "Alfred Beer" then gave their first University performance. A "Maori Workshop" was opened in the Teachers' Training College on Thursday. This provided demonstration of, and participation in various Maori arts, including taniko weaving, rourou (basket-making), piupiu and kowhaiwhai.

The following day a delegation from Te Reo Maori went to Parliament to talk with the Minister of Broadcasting about the representation of Maori language on television and radio. They proposed that at least 10% of radio and television time be devoted to Maori language, the official language of that percentage of the population.

The society also advocated the establishment of a Maori language TV unit, and a Maori language radio station to broadcast on a national network basis. The society believes Maori people must have access to oral and visual material in their native language, and Pakeha must also be given the opportunity to participate in a truly bi-lingual, bi-cultural society.

These demands were fobbed off by the minister. He recommended that the society make direct approaches to broadcasting programming people and felt they would get a sympathetic hearing from the new directors of broadcasting.

Maori language week came to an end with a hui held in the Maori Room at the Dominion Museum on Saturday. A number of Kaumatua (elders), youth and representatives from various Wellington Maori organisations met to discuss the importance of Maori Language in general and two questions in particular. First was the issue of bi-lingual schooling. The society proposed that in predominantly Maori-speaking areas, all Maori-speaking children should have the right to receive instruction in their official native language for the first three years of schooling. From them on, schooling should be bi-lingual.

Everyone present was asked to sign a letter calling for such bi-lingual schools, to be presented to the Minister of Education and Minister of Maori Affairs.

The meeting discussed a second proposal, that a Central Maori Institute be established in the Wellington region. This would aim to promote Maori language and culture in the Wellington region, and to operate community schools for the general public, with tutors drawn from the Maori community.

A full week then, for proponents of Maori language. And if even a few people get interested enough to learn Maori or to make sure their children learn, then it has been a successful week. For those who already know Maori and for those who are learning, next year the aim will be not so much another Maori Language Week, but a full Maori language year.