Twenty-eight years on since the Maori language was declared an official language of New Zealand, it begs the question, has the general attitude of New Zealanders towards the indigenous language improved or not?
Ngati Kahungunu was one of the first tribes to suffer major language loss. Several reasons such as the introduction of the following legislation: Education Ordinance Act 1847 and the Tohunga Suppression Act 1907 which dissuaded the use of te reo Maori and practice of sacred customs.
Despite the zero tolerance of Maori language being spoken or heard in schools, and the suppression of traditional Maori belief systems, the effect had a much more devastating impact which resulted in the Maori language not being spoken in the homes, which heralded the beginning of its demise.
Despite the Government's investment into Maori language revitalisation, statistics are still telling us that the number of proficient speakers of the language is still dwindling.
I am fully aware that regardless of what I say to promote the Maori language, I will never be able to make the critics see the huge value of the Maori language to New Zealand. They will never ever be able to taste the sweetness, feel the charm, admire the sacredness, revere the prestige, and admire the beauty and uniqueness of the indigenous language of New Zealand.
