Where to learn te Reo Maori

If you're interested in learning the Maori language next year the most likely places for doing so are either the full time courses offered by the Department of Anthropology and Maori at this university, or at the night classes at University Extension.

At stage one there is Maori 101 (introduction to Maori) and 102 (elementary Maori) aimed at those with little or no previous knowledge of the language.

For those with a more advanced knowledge, or people who have done 101 and 102 and wish to continue, there are two further stage one courses, 111 and 112. These include language, literature, simple whaikorero (speech making) waiata and haka.

The stage two and three courses deal with facets of the Maori language and culture in greater detail. At present that is as far as the student of Maori can go at this university, but hopefully this situation will be remedied in the near future.

Anthropology courses are also offered which explore and analyse Maori culture. These include Anthropology 111, Maori society and culture in the 18th century to the 20th century, 112 Maori art, literature and religion; 304 Maori society and culture, at a more advanced level.

For more information about these courses consult your 1975 University Calendar.

University Extension has first and second year courses in Maori and possibly, in 1975 will have a third year course.

Maori first year is an elementary course, probably limited to 50 students. The fee for 30 lectures is $12, but full-time students have to pay only half of this fee.

Maori second year follows on from the above. The 24 lectures, carry a fee of $10.

A course in Maoritanga is also offered. This deals with origins, customs, beliefs, arts and crafts, tradition, oral literature, the marae, marae protocol etc. The 16 meetings for this course has a fee of $7. University Extension also conducts additional seminars on aspects of Maori culture. This year for example seminars on Te Kingitanga — the Maori King Movement — and on pre-European Maori culture have been offered.

For updated information on these courses and possible new courses, see the 1975 University Extension Calendar or ring the department.

Wellington Polytechnic did not have a Maori language course this year and a course will only be offered in 1975 if their second language laboratory is in operation.

However Wellington High School Evening Institute has two introductory courses, and a more advanced School Certificate/University Entrance course, Maori Intermediate. All three have fees of $4.

There may be other courses available next year, and if we hear of any, or if any reader knows of any, we will print details in Salient at the beginning of next year.

As well as courses, there are books and records which can be of some use. Professor Bruce Biggs of Auckland University has written a book "Let's Learn Maori", published by Reeds, which has recordings made to accompany it. The books in use at this university are called Te Rangatahi, and they are available from most bookshops or the Government Printer, and are quite inexpensive. The books are simple to follow and private study of them would be rewarding. These books are only a few of the many available.

Of course, Maori is best learnt in at least some contact with native speakers, and this is not too difficult to arrange. Victoria's Te Reo Maori Society offers weekly conversational practise — join up next year and learn a lot.

The Maori language is a powerful living language. For too long the language and the culture surrounding it have been neglected. Learning the Maori language is the first step in making New Zealand a truly bi-cultural country.

Akona te reo Maori!