Jon Stokes: Just be fair and give Maori language a go

Although speculative, it would be fair to say that the powers that be, namely the Maori Language Commission, would have liked to have delayed this year's Maori language week.

This week has seen the annual reminder that, yes, New Zealand does have another official language.

"Kia kaha ake. Give it a go" is the catchphase for the week that focuses on te reo.

This is Maori language week, which is in its 31st year. It's a time of celebration, reflection and encouragement for all in this country to further embrace that which is the essence of the Maori culture.

The language is the glue that ensures the message and traditions of the culture traverses the generations.

It is also an opportunity to embrace our nation's uniqueness in this increasingly homogenous corporate-driven world.

Yet this year the message has struggled to break through a stink that has shrouded the Maori brand because of the actions of a few.

For more than a month, the death of twins Chris and Cru Kahui have captured and twisted the hearts of the nation.

The family - first a tight 12, then 11, now maybe five - and their refusal to come clean with police on who killed the babies, has earned almost universal public disdain.

The case has prompted a focus on growing "Maori problems". Many of the nation's self-appointed social commentators have used the Kahui case to educate the public on disproportionate Maori use of the benefit. Maori, who make up about 15 per cent of the population, account for 40 per cent of its domestic purposes beneficiaries, 21 per cent of invalid benefits, and 25 per cent of sickness benefits. And they make up 36 per cent of the uinemployed.

Maori dominance of crime statistics adds to the increasing head-shaking of most non-Maori.

But few noted that Maori are poorer, sicker and die younger. A New Zealand Living Standards report, based on 2004 figures and made public this month, highlights another "Maori problem" - that Maori endured substantially lower living standards than the population as a whole, with 40 per cent of Maori living in hardship and 17 per cent in severe hardship.

Maori may take more than their share of the dole and domestic purposes benefit, but they are unlikely to last long enough to collect the old age pension.

Earlier this week police arrested a 23-year-old man and charged him with the murder of Tokoroa teacher Lois Dear.

The capture and debate leading to the arrest dominated discussions in the South Waikato and probably around the country.

Most discussions would have focused on applauding the fact that an arrest had been made, and articulating the abhorrence and fear of such seemingly senseless killings. For Maori there has been an added dimension when discussing the murder of the much loved elderly teacher. The tears of the accused's brother - seen on national television following the brief court appearance on Tuesday - had many origins, but were shared by many Maori with no whakapapa or tribal ties to the alleged killer, including myself. A sense of shame, and shared grief.

A shame that bows heads a little lower and diminishes enthusiasm to encourage work colleagues, partners and acquaintance to give it a go.

Kei te pehea koe? Not a good time really is it?

The unfortunate timing of Maori language week demonstrates the fickleness of the enthusiasm to celebrate the Maori culture, and a quickness, subconsciously or otherwise, to intertwine things Maori.

It is an unfairness that sees the Maori brand sullied by a majority in the luxurious position of determining who and what is dropped into the "Maori" pot.

Yes, the Kahui family are Maori, as is the accused in the killing of Lois Dear. But so are Michael Campbell, Piri Weepu, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Winston Peters, Mike McRoberts, Shane Jones and Pita Sharples.

This week is Maori language week, where all in the country are encouraged to share in the beauty that is the country's only indigenous language. Give it a go - and be fair.

And perhaps it is time to consider what it is to be Maori, and what aspects of being Maori we as a nation are prepared to share.

* Jon Stokes is the Herald's Maori issues reporter.