Re: Letters on language in The Sun, August 4. I’d like to invite letter readers and writers to embrace the unique culture we have here in Aotearoa New Zealand. Other countries around the world are in awe of our treaty partnership and it’s something that we can be proud of.
We have nothing to fear and much to gain by embracing the language and the culture universally. Unfamiliar language is often daunting to read but the great news is, increased exposure to it can enable learning with limited effort and can be fulfilling and rewarding. Research shows clearly there are many benefits of learning another language both in enhancing our cognitive abilities and our feelings of connection. Māori language is deeply embedded in the outdoors and nature and has a richness in environmental understanding as does the culture and as do the people. As Pakeha we have a lot to learn from Te Ao Māori (Māori world view and values).
What’s good for Māori is good for all of us.
Ngā Mihi,
Kia pai tō rā.
Councillor Kat Macmillan, Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana.