My Ears See Better

My ears see better as a result of being a bilingual Paakehaa in Aotearoa New Zealand. Speaking te reo Maaori (the Maaori language) has provided me with a different framework through which to view this land, its people and our interactions. For me, having this perspective feels like being on a mountain-top and seeing the lie of the land more clearly than I would through monolingual ears. Living in the Paakehaa world brings many benefits. However, the culture, connections and ways of thinking that are borne through te reo Maaori have provided a depth and richness that enhances my life immeasurably. Being in a position to understand both languages and worldviews is a privilege I wish more would enjoy.

Many Paakehaa are interested in learning te reo Maaori and becoming more involved in te ao Maaori (the Maaori world). However, few have taken the journey to become highly fluent speakers and walk between worlds. And we don't often hear about those who have!

This book will share the stories of a diverse range of Paakehaa New Zealanders who have become fluent and engaged speakers of te reo Maaori. As a Paakehaa, reaching a high level of fluency in te reo Maaori can be both highly challenging and deeply rewarding. We are often held back by fear or uncertainty about what is appropriate and how to proceed. However, te reo Maaori needs more speakers and more mainstream support. The lingering effects of suppression of the language mean it is now in a precarious state. More places and contexts in which te reo Maaori can be used are needed for te reo to flourish. The stories of Paakehaa who have become fluent in te reo Maaori need to be told, to inspire and encourage us to take the next step. We all have a role to play in helping normalise the use of te reo Maaori in its own country.

My own learning journey started as a teenager at high school in Motueka. Along the way, I have received enormous generosity, manaakitanga and support from my Maaori teachers and mentors. However, I have lacked visible Paakehaa role models that would have helped me find my way through the inevitable challenges I encountered. You can listen to an interview with me here:

http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/teahikaa/audio/201816253/pakeha-passionate-about-te-reo-maori

This book will explore:

- the unique learning path that each individual took;

- the various challenges that each person encountered along the way and how they navigated them;

- the richness of insights, perspectives and benefits they gained.

You can contribute to these stories being shared and inspiring others by making a donation. Funds raised will be used to cover research costs (domestic travel and equipment) for interviews, as well as assist with my living costs for the period of writing the book.

Ka nui te mihi atu ki a koutou e tautoko mai nei – thank you for your generosity and support.