Free courses help public learn te reo

Free courses help public learn te reo

Members of the public can learn Maori for free with the introduction of new night classes at UNITEC.

The te reo short courses begin in February and students studying at the Institute of Technology's Puukenga - School of Maori Education have also had tuition fees for their te reo classes removed.

Head of Puukenga Ella Henry says it is important that all New Zealanders have the opportunity to learn te reo. "Maori is an official language of this country, so we have an obligation to teach it to anyone who wants to learn."

She says this is just one example of UNITEC's commitment to Maori. "Plans for a new marae are well underway and we also introduced the computer software Pictures That Talk Maori last year."

The institute's business faculty paid for the te reo software, which all staff and students can access from any computer on campus for free.

All of these initiatives are a result of Te Noho Kotahitanga - The Partnership and Ms Henry says the document underpins all of UNITEC's activities.

"UNITEC is the only tertiary institute to have a document such as this to guide it and bring the Treaty to life in practical terms."

Te Noho Kotahitanga - The Partnership was introduced by UNITEC in 2001 and formalises the institute's commitment to Maori and the Treaty.

What: Free te reo short courses

When: Beginners classes, 6pm - 9pm, Tuesdays, starting 18 February

Intermediate classes, 6pm - 9pm, Wednesdays, starting 19 February

Where: UNITEC Institute of Technology, Carrington Road, Mount Albert

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