BUILDING UP THE MAORI ROLL

Te Ao Hou, December 1961, Page 27

BUILDING UP THE MAORI ROLL Although occasionally there are second thoughts when the time to attend kindergarten arrives, when the Maori children do arrive they settle down, on the whole, more quickly than their European contemporaries, and, although more

Pasting up pictures is another favourite activity. Mrs Collier, the teacher, is cutting them out. shy are not so nervous. Only once, says Miss Pukepuke, has a little Maori girl burst into tears on her introduction to kindy, whereas this is quite a frequent occurrence with European children. They seem to apply themselves more closely to a project also and will spend a long time on one activity while the European child flits from one to another. There are, of course, always the exceptions in both races, but there appears to be little noticeable difference in their capabilities at this age. Kindergarten helps all children to make social adjustments which benefit them when going on to primary school, and Miss Pukepuke feels that this is especially so with her Maori pupils. “Through this close contact with pakeha children they learn European social conduct and such things as table manners which help to smooth differences later at school,” she says. At this age the children of both races mix without thought of any disparity, except very occasionally when it can be traced to remarks they have heard at home. It is the policy of this type of kindergarten to include parents in the work as much as possible and every day one or two mothers remain to help. The Maori mothers are most willing and seem to see what needs doing without being asked, Miss Pukepuke says, hastening to add that many European mothers are equally thoughtful. She has found, however, that the Maori mothers are shy when it comes to the social life of the work, although the two Maori members of the mothers' committee take an active and pleasurable part in this work. Sometimes there are special occasion days at the kindergarten like the recent birthday and farewell party to Ngaio and Lynette who, at the great age of five, are promoted to real school. One of the little girls lost her mother recently but the other mother brought cakes, the director baked scones in the kindergarten kitchen … not “pretend” ones this time … and everyone enjoyed the importance of the two graduates. A friendship, unusual in this age group, has sprung up between two little girls, one Maori, one European, and bears the possible seeds of a life-long attachment. They are inseparables in kindy, says Miss Pukepuke, and spend all their time in each other's company. Is it too much to suggest that such a friendship in childhood not only does something for the child but for New Zealand too, and indeed for the whole world. It is obvious that all the children have a real affection for their director and her assistant, and the atmosphere in the delightfully spacious and gleaming kindergarten is one of peace and happiness. For the most part the children play contentedly alone or in small groups, but if a head is bumped, a knee grazed, a dispute arises over a toy, a story is wanted or hands need washing, there is Miss Pukepuke or Mrs Collier, capable, smiling, and most important of all, loving. Rawinia Amoamo makes scones from bright green dough.

PAPA KIRIHIMETE Father Christmas visits Punaruku Maori District High School (between Whangarei and Russell). (Photograph: Miles Wislang)