![Sarah Ruthe](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/P77GNCCKPZSXDU7UV3HZ5NZ7WI.jpg?auth=66cb14cad74241aedc6d9c13e6ebdf2f0d4d5bc6c29f1ca3737a221800bb9f05&width=16&height=22&quality=70&smart=true)
I know there are quite a few people out there who speak the language. It will help the language become more recognised.
SARAH RUTHE, 49
Hillcrest
![Phillip Whare](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/KTKZHNZAU7CBLY7GJMH6IZDPYY.jpg?auth=7f31c8af412213e7d13215cdbdd4968809c86dedd80453a888386563a8d73382&width=16&height=22&quality=70&smart=true)
I reckon it's a good idea. I'm not fluent, it might help me learn a little bit more.
Should more people be encouraged to learn Maori?
I know there are quite a few people out there who speak the language. It will help the language become more recognised.
SARAH RUTHE, 49
Hillcrest
I reckon it's a good idea. I'm not fluent, it might help me learn a little bit more.
PHILLIP WHARE, 28
Western Heights
I definitely agree. Maori language is dying and having it out there more often people can pick it up one word at a time.
TONY HOOGEBOON, 39
Reporoa
I agree 100 per cent. Rotorua is a big tourist city where people come to learn diversity and other cultures. It will teach them a lesson in our culture. It doesn't hurt anybody to get a choice.
ALICHA HOOGEBOON, 32
Reporoa
The man has now been jailed for 12 years and six months.