UK boy embraces Maori culture in Kapiti

LEARNING TE REO: Paraparaumu Primary School students and brothers Heath Macaulay, 7, and Bruce Macaulay, 11, are key members of the school's kapa haka group and keen speakers of Te Reo.

Bruce Macaulay may have lived on New Zealand shores for just three years, but the Paraparaumu School student embodies all that Maori Language Week stands for.

Maori Language Week, running from Monday, July 4 to this Sunday, is taking place all across the country to show people that no matter what their heritage, Te Reo is a language for all in New Zealand.

"I thought it would be a fun way to experience Maori culture," said Bruce, 11, who joined his school kapa haka group after moving to New Zealand from the UK in April 2013.

"Then last year, I was asked to be the kaea, which means to lead the songs where there are special leader roles."

The theme for this year's Maori Language Week is 'Akina Te Reo - behind you all the way', which refers to the use of Te Reo to support, inspire and cheer on others. Bruce, who uses Te Reo in the classroom as well as at home with his brother Heath, 7, has dedicated his time to teaching fellow students through a Te Reo extension classroom.

"I enjoy everything about it," said Bruce, who was encouraged by older boys, and teachers Whaea Gina and Whaea Kathy.

Last year Paraparaumu's Don Te Maipi, known by students as Koro Don, handpicked a group of boys, including Bruce, to learn about and conduct a Whaikorero, or speech.

"This year Koro Don helped me choose some rocks from different rivers around Kapiti to be blessed and placed underneath the new school foundations."

Bruce, whose school is discussing the possibility of introducing a bilingual classroom, said he hopes to expand his Te Reo knowledge over time so he can eventually speak fluently.

"For students to know how to use Te Reo in everyday life would be really helpful.

"I think the language is really cool."