In this putanga | issue of Reowatch:

It’s crispy in Aotearoa this month. While I see the Earth getting harder and something reminiscent of frost each morning, I’m reminded that it’s transition time again. We’re heading towards Matariki where we’ll hopefully find time for reflection, to look back on the year gone and prepare for the quieter, colder months ahead. Hinetakurua is coming, and with her she brings renewal. I could do with a renewed vision!

Matariki should be a time to slow down, to gather our thoughts, and to turn inward. We’ll remember, celebrate, plan and encourage ourselves to dream big. One of the most meaningful ways to honour this time is by setting goals for te reo Māori.

Whether a beginner or a speaker, you might like to use this time to plan your fresh start, to deepen your connection to the language. Commit to using more reo in daily conversations, to fighting anti-reo sentiment or to laughing more in the language. Plan to start in Matariki, don’t wait for Matariki to start planning! E mua kaikai!

I’m seeing the language conversation change. A few years ago, anti-reo sentiment was all about hating on Māori people. Now, it is moving more towards celebrating Kiwi culture as diverse enough but exclusive of Māori. This kind of nationalism is dangerous because it sounds reasonable. Conversely, I haven’t seen the conversations of Māori speakers and allies shift much lately - we’re very stuck. I think we're sitting ducks by watching this all play out. I suggest we quickly find ways to show bigots that we are allowed to be part of the diversity of Aotearoa, too.

Until next time, kōrerotia, waiatatia.

Vincent Ieni Olsen-Reeder

Kaietita, Reowatch