Māori programmes 1972

The Wellington Polynesian communities farewell to their Excellencies Sir Arthur (the departing Governor-General) and Lady Porritt This event was held in the Wellington Town Hall. [Part 2 of 2. See ID 46931 for part 1]

- Kaikōrero: Ralph Makere Love who spoke on behalf of the many Polynesians people present, following the presentation of symbolic gifts.
He speaks [in English] about the "new New Zealand" that the Polynesian communities represent. Kinaki / Toia mai nga waka o te motu.

- Kaikōrero: His Excellency, Sir Arthur Porritt. Kinaki / Hoki hoki tonu mai.

National Māori Language Day (Te Ra o te reo Māori). will be held tomorrow, Thursday 14th September. The day was organised by the New Zealand Federation of Māori Students, as a result of a resolution passed at their 18th annual conference, held last May.

The theme of the day is to encourage both Māori and pakeha
to learn something of the Māori language and the Māori way of life.
A petition to encourage the teaching of the Māori language will be presented at Parliament tomorrow to Matiu Rata, M.P. for Northern Māori.

Yesterday Duncan MacIntyre (Minister of Māori Affairs) gave an address at Victoria university about the contribution of the Māori language to New Zealand society. An excerpt of his speech is heard. He says misguided pakeha - and Māori - attempted to discourage the use of Māori in schools in the past, and this must be reversed.

He says the Māori language is the centre of Māori culture and he feels from now on every Māori should be given the opportunity to learn the language and all New Zealanders should learn how to pronounce Māori properly, but it should not be compulsory.