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Download AudioIt’s 51 years today since the Māori language petition was presented at the steps of parliament.
Te Reo Māori Society member Robert Pouwhare says it was a day that brought together Māori young and old for what was a solemn occasion.
The 33,000 signature petition was laid down by Ngati Raukawa rangatira Te Ō Uenuku Rēne, also known as the king of Durville Island, wielding his patu Te Wero o Hauraki.
“To quote, that other big Māori chief Bing Crosby, when he sang accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative, I think that’s where we’re at. We ignore all of the politicking and weaponising of the reo and race in these highly volatile political times. Just concentrate on our on the positive,” he says.
Mr Pouwhare says Te Taura Whiri i te reo Māori Rāwinia Higgins said it best -m Māori have gone from communities to companies, from airlines to airways from banks to buses, Māori are unstoppable.
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