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Shay McEwan

Embracing te Reo Māori Together: A Journey of Language and Love

Shay McEwan (she/her) | Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki, Te Whanau a Kai, Ngāti Pāhauwera

 

Teaching someone a language isn’t just about words; it’s about weaving a deeper connection to culture, identity, and the future. For Tom and I, that language is te reo Māori. What began as a casual curiosity has blossomed into a heartfelt commitment to fluency, driven not only by the desire to communicate but also by the dream of one day passing on this invaluable heritage to our future tamariki.


My partner, Tom, a Pākehā man who works in Cyber Security, and I, a Māori woman studying Education and History, both grew up barely understanding or knowing much te reo Māori. For him, it was due to his life in Ashhurst, a predominantly Pākehā area, and for me, it was due to my family growing up in a time when they were forbidden from speaking the language, so they couldn’t pass it down or try to learn later on.


Our journey into te reo Māori started with me wanting to connect closer to my culture, and for him, it was a way to support me on my journey. We began with simple greetings and phrases—a playful "Kia ora!" here and a curious "Kei te pēhea koe?" there. Tom is eager to learn and embrace each new word with enthusiasm, his genuine interest kindling my own passion for the language. 


As we delved deeper, we discovered the cultural richness within the language. From the symbolism of whakataukī to the profound meanings woven into pepeha, each lesson became not just a linguistic exercise but a profound exploration of identity and belonging. Tom, with his attentive nature, absorbed nuances eagerly, recognising that language is more than just a means of communication—it’s a vessel that carries the wisdom and traditions of generations. 


Our journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Pronunciations that twist the tongue, grammar that dances to its own rhythm, and the vast ocean of vocabulary—all presented hurdles that tested our dedication. Learning te reo Māori together has become an adventure, a journey of discovery that strengthened our bond and deepened our commitment to each other, and our future.


Looking ahead, we envision a future where our children will inherit not only our love but also our commitment to te reo Māori. We dream of reading them stories steeped in Māori legends, singing waiata that resonate with the spirit of Aotearoa, and passing down traditions from my culture. Our journey towards fluency isn’t just about us—it’s about nurturing a legacy that bridges past, present, and future generations.


Teaching Tom te reo Māori has been more than a linguistic endeavour; it’s been a testament to the power of love, curiosity, and cultural appreciation. It’s embracing a language that embodies resilience, respect, and reciprocity—a language that enriches our lives and strengthens our connection to each other, and to our community.


In the end, our journey towards fluency in te reo Māori is a journey of hope—a hope that our dedication today will blossom into a future where our family speaks with pride, understanding, and fluency. With each new word learned and each milestone achieved, we move closer to realising our dream of raising children who are not only fluent in te reo Māori but who also carry forward the values and traditions that make this language a treasure worth cherishing.


Together, hand in hand, we continue our journey—guided by love, inspired by culture, and united in commitment to te reo Māori.


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