Moehau Hodges-Tai: Good job PM Bill English- but here's a challenge

By Moehau Hodges-Tai

Bill English has done a remarkable job with his speech today in Māori.

For someone who has not learnt the language, merely only been exposed to it in certain situations, he has done very well. I give him a 8 out of 10 for effort and pronunciation for a non-speaker.

Although I was remarkably surprised - and give him much praise - for his effort today, he still does have a ways to go with some pronunciation and tikanga. It is never too late to learn and you can never stop striving to be better.

My challenge to you, Prime Minister, is to take the time to learn a little more every day.

If you can speak that well without taking lessons, I can only imagine what you can accomplish with a little practice.

In my opinion, this is the best Māori korero from any New Zealand Prime Minister yet, and very refreshing when comparing this korero to Gerry Brownlee pronouncing Māori vowels when he was Minister of Māori Affairs.

It's a big win for Māori language and sets a standard for other New Zealanders.

Moehau Hodges-Tai. Photo / Dean Purcell

Moehau Hodges-Tai is a video producer for the Herald