Robbie

Mana (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 6, 15 September 1977, Page 6

Robbie

"Toi te Kupu, toi te mana, toi te whenua” (The permanence of the language, prestige and land Tena Koutou! The words of this Maori proverb were spoken by Chief Tinirau of Wanganui and the translation is by the Rev. Kingi Ihaka. The proverb. stresses the fact that without the Maori language, without prestige or mana, and without land, maoritanga will cease to exist. The Maori language is a beautiful language and must never be allowed to dig. There is an obvious need for greater publicity about the language and wider efforts must be taken to introduce the teaching of Maori in our primary schools. It is sad that many young Maoris cannot speak or understand their language — this is a result of mistakes of the past when efforts, through ignorance and misunderstanding were made to destroy the language, culture and heritage of the Maori people. I welcome the observance of Maori Language Week and trust that the efforts made by many people will help spread the teaching and learning of Maori language and culture. Tena ra Koutou Katoa (greetings to you all) (Sir) DOVE-MYER ROBINSON (Mayor of Auckland)