Waikato-Tainui aims to revitalise tribal reo and tikanga

Waikato-Tainui aims to revitalise tribal reo and tikanga

Eighty percent of Waikato-Tainui iwi members will be fluent in Te Reo Maaori by 2050, says Rahui Papa, Chairman of Waikato-Tainui tribal executive Te Arataura.

“Strengthening our tribal reo and tikanga to a high level of fluency is a key area of focus for the tribe,” says Mr Papa, ahead of the launch of Tikanga Ora Reo Ora ¬– the tribe’s reo strategy outlining how it will support iwi members to become confident and fluent Te Reo Maaori speakers.

“Tikanga Ora Reo Ora was developed through a combined effort with Waikato-Tainui kaumaatua and the tribe’s Reo Advisory Group. It sets a clear objective – that 80% of Waikato-Tainui iwi members will be fluent in our tribal reo and tikanga by 2050 – an ambitious, but achievable goal.”

He says, “It’s a goal that will be supported through the delivery of a range of initiatives, from electronic resources to professional development programmes.”

Initiatives to be implemented in 2016 include interactive online learning tools for children; an NZQA accredited Te Reo Maaori programme co-created by Waikato-Tainui and WINTEC; waananga reo; a professional development programme for reo teachers; and, a whaanau-specific reo programme.

“The power of language is truly transformative and with the implementation of these initiatives we aim to reach a level where our tribal reo is embedded as an everyday language in our whaanau and marae,” says Mr Papa.

“Not only will its regular use ensure our tribal reo is preserved for future generations, but our people will develop a stronger sense of self, tribal pride and a deeper understanding of who they are.”

He says the success of Tikanga Ora Reo Ora will be due to the concerted efforts of everyone. “There is much to be done and we know we can’t do it alone. We need everyone to be involved – our whaanau, our marae, our hapuu and our iwi.

“Haapaingia te reo! Whakarewangia ko te tikanga! Waikato-Tainui e, teenaa hikitia! Elevate our language! Uphold our cultural practices! Waikato-Tainui, take up the challenge!”

The launch of Tikanga Ora Reo Ora will take place at the Waikato-Tainui Games on Saturday 20 February in Hopuhopu.

ENDS

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