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Group opposes compulsory Maori language in schools

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Group opposes Maori language in schools

3News NZ

The board's plan would cost ratepayers upwards of $30 million a year (file pic)

The board's plan would cost ratepayers upwards of $30 million a year (file pic)

A group representing Auckland ratepayers says it's not in favour of the Maori language becoming compulsory in all schools.

The Independent Maori Statutory Board is recommending that Auckland Council insist Maori is taught in all schools, that all Maori homes be insulated and that a Maori cultural arts centre be built.

Communities and Residents Association president Mark Brickell says the board needs to come back with a more measured and reasoned request.

"I honestly think the Maori Statutory Board is barking up the wrong tree," says Mr Brickell. "The Auckland Council cannot tell schools what to teach, that's the role of the Ministry of Education."

The board's plan would cost ratepayers upwards of $30 million a year.

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Comments

6/09/2012 11:08:52 p.m.

eagle wrote:

It should be up to the children and parents whether they want to learn Te Reo Maori...Looking back in the past Maori were made to learn English and punished for speaking their native tongue...I am happy to say that all my children can speak and understand Te Reo Maori they are also educated in English, the money would be better off in Health....education has enough resources around them, Health is the prime issue which needs to be addressed

6/09/2012 7:47:10 a.m.

Adrian wrote:

When top NZ officials i.e the priminister etc ignorantly mispronounces any language the reprecussions are widely felt raising eyebrows in places that influence NZ moving forward on a global scale. Blatantly disregardings ones political position here in NZ does not look good for NZ in the bigger scheme of things. Point of the story, at the very least get the pronounciation right starting from the top otherwise racism,discrimination, bullying, enters the debate.

4/09/2012 4:23:00 p.m.

John wrote:

This would be a total waste of time for out kids. Lets stick with whats used in the real world.

4/09/2012 1:17:20 p.m.

FUNNY_GUY wrote:

It should be upto the kids if they want to learn it. I am a Kiwi and Maori is somthing I love to see when I go tramping in Hawke's Bay. Compulsory learning of Maori is going far to far. If they are compulsory learning Maori, why not make it compulsory to teach the kids.... I'll leave it to YOU.

3/09/2012 10:18:18 p.m.

kelvyn wrote:

From some I have heard (mainly kids) they need to get the teaching of English right first. The corridors of commerce, industry and finance around the world will just have to wait for their opportunity to up skill to Maori.

3/09/2012 7:36:36 p.m.

Bill wrote:

This here is exactly why Maori is underclass in NZ and always will be. They are not focusing in real issues like poverty, education, employment etc... They always hung up in symbolic / ego related issues like culture heritage, treaty etc... Not saying culture is not important, but compare to the grand scheme of things, I'm sure there's better way to spend 30 million to help Maori people. Even just pour the money to Maori exclusive apprentice / job training program will be better then get all Auckland student speak a few Maori sentences. Realistically, how the heck will that benefit anyone in any way?

3/09/2012 3:51:52 p.m.

Joe wrote:

Maori have different vowel sounds to New Zealand Pakeha. This simple understanding can be very beneficial to learning and appreciating another language such as Japanese and Chinese which have the same vowel sounds as Maori. Maori is also the most relevant language to be a second language considering we live in New Zealand and therefore the language is tied into this country even by physical things such as place names, names of birds and fish, names of tribes, and all the associated meanings and stories.

3/09/2012 3:40:39 p.m.

Joe wrote:

I learn't some Te Reo in primary School. I didn't learn much but I can at least pronounce Maori words corectly. The majority of the country can not do even that which is sad and slighlty disrespectful. However It is not peoples fault if they can not pronounce a word correclty. In school I also learn't shakespear which I thought was useless rubbish (So I am not ignorant to the thought that somebody elses culture is useless). However as an adult I have the benefit of appreciating all cultures such as the European cultures and even the Chinese and Indian cultures and I try to be respectful where I previously was not, as I see how much it can hurt when people do not show respect to my own Maori culture. (not always intentionallly but by un knowingly perhaps) My point is perhaps people can learn more than just Te Reo Maori by learning the Te Reo Maori?

3/09/2012 2:13:36 p.m.

Richard wrote:

Future generations should be learning languages of commerce. If the Maori language is so precious have those who believe so fund and teach it in the home as other cultures here do. Wake up people this is fast becoming an Asian country and there are more relevant languages to learn.

3/09/2012 11:49:35 a.m.

Greg wrote:

Why release this report now, when the governments stirred the pot up over water rights issues. Im tired of Maori being used as a political football, lets focus on the real issues facing us all, poverty, learning Maori at school wont hurt the precious darlings.