Celebrating a Māori Language Milestone: 50 Years of Progress

In 2022, New Zealand celebrated a significant milestone: 50 years of the Māori Language Petition. This landmark event marks half a century since the petition, which gathered over 30,000 signatures, was presented to the New Zealand Parliament, calling for the recognition and revitalization of te reo Māori, the Māori language. The journey of te reo Māori is not just a story of linguistic revival but also a testament to cultural resilience and national identity.

The Historical Context

The Māori language, or te reo Māori, is an Eastern Polynesian language spoken by the Māori people, the indigenous people of New Zealand. Prior to European colonization, te reo Māori was the predominant language spoken throughout the islands. However, with the arrival of British settlers in the 19th century, English rapidly became the dominant language, leading to a significant decline in the use of te reo Māori.

By the mid-20th century, the language was in a perilous state. Many Māori children were discouraged, if not outright punished, for speaking their native language in schools. This led to a generational gap in language transmission, with fewer young people learning te reo Māori from their elders. The Māori Language Petition of 1972 was a pivotal response to this decline, driven by activists who recognized the urgent need to preserve their linguistic heritage.

The Māori Language Petition

On September 14, 1972, the Māori Language Petition was presented to the New Zealand Parliament. The petition, organized by the group Ngā Tamatoa (The Young Warriors) and the Te Reo Māori Society, called for the introduction of Māori language and culture into schools. It was a bold and unprecedented move, reflecting a growing sense of cultural pride and political activism among Māori.

The petition’s presentation was a watershed moment that sparked a series of developments aimed at revitalizing te reo Māori. It led to the establishment of Māori Language Day, which later expanded to Māori Language Week, an annual event dedicated to promoting the use of te reo Māori.

Immediate Impacts

The immediate impacts of the petition included increased awareness and discussion about the state of te reo Māori. It also led to the creation of the first bilingual school in 1978 and the establishment of the first kōhanga reo (Māori-language preschool) in 1982. These initiatives were critical in providing immersive environments where children could learn and use te reo Māori in everyday settings.

Long-term Developments

In the decades following the petition, several key initiatives and policies were implemented to support the revitalization of te reo Māori. The Māori Language Act of 1987 was a significant legislative milestone that recognized Māori as an official language of New Zealand. This act also established Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (The Māori Language Commission), tasked with promoting the language and providing resources for its learning and use.

Educational Initiatives

Education has been at the forefront of efforts to revive te reo Māori. The establishment of kōhanga reo was just the beginning. These preschools operate on the principle of total immersion, where children are surrounded by the language throughout their day. This model has been extended to primary and secondary education through kura kaupapa Māori (Māori-language primary schools) and wharekura (Māori-language secondary schools).

University Programs

Higher education institutions have also played a crucial role. Universities across New Zealand now offer courses in te reo Māori, Māori studies, and related disciplines. These programs not only provide opportunities for academic study but also contribute to the normalization and prestige of the language.

Wānanga

In addition to mainstream universities, three wānanga (Māori tertiary institutions) have been established: Te Wānanga o Raukawa, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, and Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi. These institutions offer a range of programs focused on Māori knowledge, language, and culture, providing another avenue for language revitalization and cultural education.

Media and Technology

The media has been a powerful tool in the revitalization of te reo Māori. The establishment of Māori Television in 2004 marked a significant development, providing a platform for Māori-language programming and content. Radio stations like Radio Waatea and iwi (tribal) radio stations also broadcast in te reo Māori, reaching a wide audience and promoting the use of the language in everyday contexts.

Digital Resources

The digital age has brought new opportunities for language learning and preservation. Numerous online resources, apps, and social media platforms now offer tools for learning te reo Māori. These include language learning apps like “Kupu” and “Drops: Learn Māori,” as well as online courses and video tutorials. Social media platforms, too, have become spaces where te reo Māori is increasingly visible, with hashtags like #reomāori and #tereo gaining popularity.

Government and Policy Support

Government support has been crucial in the revitalization efforts. The Māori Language Strategy, implemented by the New Zealand government, outlines a comprehensive approach to promoting and sustaining te reo Māori. This strategy includes goals such as increasing the number of speakers, enhancing the quality of language use, and ensuring that the language is seen and heard in public life.

Te Mātāwai

Established under the Māori Language Act 2016, Te Mātāwai is an independent statutory entity tasked with leading the revitalization of te reo Māori. It works in partnership with the government to implement the Māori Language Strategy and support community initiatives. Te Mātāwai focuses on empowering iwi (tribes) and Māori communities to take leadership in language revitalization, recognizing that grassroots efforts are essential for the language’s sustainability.

Community Initiatives

While institutional support is vital, grassroots community initiatives have been the heartbeat of the Māori language revival. Across New Zealand, numerous community groups and organizations are dedicated to promoting te reo Māori. These include language classes, cultural workshops, and events that celebrate Māori language and culture.

Language Nests and Whānau Language Development

One innovative approach has been the creation of language nests, where families come together to learn and use te reo Māori in a supportive environment. These initiatives often involve multiple generations, helping to bridge the gap between young learners and fluent speakers. Whānau (family) language development programs also encourage parents to use te reo Māori at home, creating a natural and immersive language environment for children.

Public Celebrations and Events

Public events and celebrations play a crucial role in raising the profile of te reo Māori. Māori Language Week, held annually in September, is a nationwide celebration that encourages everyone to use and learn te reo Māori. The week features a range of activities, from language classes and workshops to cultural performances and social media campaigns. These events not only promote language learning but also foster a sense of pride and unity around the Māori language and culture.

The Role of Non-Māori New Zealanders

The revitalization of te reo Māori is not just a Māori issue; it is a national endeavor. Non-Māori New Zealanders have an important role to play in supporting and promoting the language. Learning even a few words or phrases in te reo Māori can make a significant difference in normalizing its use and demonstrating respect for Māori culture.

Educational Inclusion

Many schools across New Zealand now include te reo Māori in their curricula, giving all students the opportunity to learn the language from a young age. This inclusion helps to normalize te reo Māori and ensures that future generations grow up with an appreciation for the language and its cultural significance.

Cultural Competence

Incorporating te reo Māori into everyday life, whether through greetings, signage, or public announcements, helps to create a more inclusive and culturally competent society. Businesses, government agencies, and community organizations can all contribute to this effort by using te reo Māori in their communications and operations.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite significant progress, the revitalization of te reo Māori faces ongoing challenges. The number of fluent speakers remains relatively low, and there is a need for more resources and support for language learners. Additionally, the dominance of English in New Zealand’s media, education, and public life can make it difficult for te reo Māori to gain equal footing.

Sustaining the Momentum

To sustain the momentum of the past 50 years, continued investment in education, media, and community initiatives is essential. This includes supporting kōhanga reo, kura kaupapa Māori, and wānanga, as well as expanding access to language learning resources and opportunities.

Intergenerational Transmission

Encouraging intergenerational transmission of the language is crucial. This means supporting families and communities to use te reo Māori in everyday life and creating environments where the language can thrive. It also involves recognizing and valuing the role of elders and fluent speakers in passing on their knowledge and skills to younger generations.

Innovation and Adaptation

Innovation and adaptation will also be key to the future of te reo Māori. This includes leveraging new technologies and digital platforms to reach wider audiences and creating engaging and relevant content that resonates with learners of all ages. It also means being open to new methods and approaches in language education and promotion.

Conclusion

The 50th anniversary of the Māori Language Petition is a momentous occasion that celebrates the progress made in the revitalization of te reo Māori. It is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Māori people and a reflection of New Zealand’s growing recognition of the importance of its indigenous language and culture.

As we look to the future, the journey of te reo Māori continues. It is a journey that requires the commitment and support of all New Zealanders, both Māori and non-Māori. By working together, we can ensure that te reo Māori not only survives but thrives, enriching the cultural tapestry of Aotearoa New Zealand for generations to come.