Course planned in Maoritanga

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32706, 8 September 1971, Page 18

Course planned in Maoritanga

An advanced course in Maori language, including ceremonial speech-making, which was to have been held at Kaiapoi if at least 30 enrolments were obtained, may now be held soon at Christchurch with relaxed language requirements.

Mr R. Mete-Kingi, one of the course’s organisers, said that about. 19 inquiries had been received. The problem now was to enlist persons with sufficient minimal Maori language, as it had been hoped to confine the entirely oral classes to spoken Maori. The tutor, Mr H, M. Taurnaunu, lecturer in Maori studies at Christchurch Teachers’ College secondary

division, had been living at Kaiapoi but had since shifted to Christchurch so the course would probably be held at St John’s Hall, Latimer Square, as a more central point, said Mr Mete-Kingi. The interesting feature, he said was the number of young people who had come forward from as far away as Tuahiwi and Rangiora, obviously feeling their Maori identity, although never having had the background of such instruction. Progress of the course hinged on demand and if successful, it might be developed next year. Many formalities of Maoritanga had been waived in the South Island and the move to teach understanding was coming from North Island expatriats who felt the lack and missed the ceremonies which happened quite regularly at home. The tutor was from the East Coast of the North Island and the possibilities of encouraging Maori leaders from other areas to contribute, adding breadth to the studies, was being considered, said Mr Mete-Kingi.

Referee.—Mr W. L. Adlam (Wanganui) has bean appointed to referee the Ranfurly Shield match between Auckland and North Auckland st Eden Park on September 18,