The fourth group of 12 students finished the four week course recently and had great things to say!

The final beginners class in te reo Māori for 2021 has concluded at St Barnabas. In all over fifty people overcame their fears about learning a new language and attended the four classes run by Mike Davey.

It is through the study of the reo (language) that the Māori world view is best understood. Their deep connection with the natural landscape, mountains, rivers and seas, and the importance placed on greeting and introducing oneself correctly quickly became evident. Mike included a strong emphasis on good pronunciation. Māori vowel sounds are not the same as English and many places in Aotearoa have been mispronounced for decades.

As Christians the strong spiritual dimension in te reo was enjoyed. Mike concluded the final lesson with a whakataukī (proverb)

“Aroha ki te tangata anakia ko wai.” “Love people no matter who they are.”   

"We really enjoyed this short course, as it gave us a better understanding of the language, and more confidence in the correct pronunciation." Earl and Erica Bennett

"A very gentle and supportive introduction to te reo Māori, with members of the group gaining confidence week by week. Ngā mihi." John Caldwell

"Twelve parishioners and others, supported by Olive Lawson, enjoyed Mike Davey's recent Te Reo beginners' course; Maori language, culture and history. It was stimulating and fun!" Suzanne Peddie