Sun Sep 15 17:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Māori Language Revitalization Under Attack from Small Group, Experts Say
**Auckland, New Zealand** – Despite a growing movement towards revitalizing te reo Māori, the language faces resistance from a small but vocal group of New Zealanders, according to experts.
While a recent survey showed 30% of Kiwis are proficient in te reo Māori, and a majority support its inclusion in primary schools, some push back against the language’s increasing visibility.
Professor Ella Henry, a leading Māori researcher, believes the backlash is fueled by outdated colonial attitudes. “This language is flourishing today despite attempts by some to suppress it,” she said, highlighting the government’s recent review of the Treaty Principles Bill, which aims to protect Māori rights.
Professor Stephen May from the University of Auckland agrees, pointing to a resistance among older generations of Pakeha, who grew up in a time when te reo Māori was actively suppressed. “They can’t seem to accept its resurgence,” he said.
However, a growing number of younger New Zealanders, particularly those who are bilingual or multilingual, are embracing te reo Māori, May added. This shift towards inclusivity and diversity is seen as crucial to the language’s continued revival.
Henry, who herself experienced prejudice for being Māori, emphasizes the importance of promoting te reo Māori for social and educational benefits. “Research shows children who learn through Kohanga Reo are more likely to attend tertiary education and less likely to be incarcerated,” she explained.
Professor May also highlights the cognitive benefits of bilingualism, arguing that speaking te reo Māori “helps us understand more fully what it means to be a New Zealander.”
Despite the resistance, experts remain optimistic about the future of te reo Māori. The language, they argue, holds a vital place in shaping a more inclusive and culturally rich future for New Zealand.
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