PHOTO/KAREN COLTMAN
During Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, the Wairarapa Times-Age is publishing a story a day highlighting the language’s rich history.
Students from Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Wairarapa are erecting 12 street signs in te reo in Masterton East to mark Te Wiki o te Reo Maori [Maori Language Week]. The names refer to significant Wairarapa landmarks.
Students at the school are taught almost exclusively in te reo Maori.
The signs are temporary and will be placed under the English street name, but because they’re sturdy, they will remain beyond the end of the week.
Masterton East Streets Renamed
Current New
Cameron Cr Maungaraki
River Rd Tararua
Grant Cr Tauwharenikau
Dee Pl Waiohine
Oban Pl Te Maipi
Clive St Waiawangawanga
Stuart Cr Waipoua
Tay Pl Rangitumau
Johnstone St Mangakuta
Makora Rd Makoura
Iorns St Taratahi
Church St Ruamahanga
Why not extend West, North & South too? Māori did not just reside in the East, they lived everywhere. Ka pai koutou o te kura. This is step one of awareness, whats next Wairarapa? What’s in a name? More importantly what is the whakapapa behind the name? I have always wondered how Cameron Cres came to be? I hope there is no correlation with Duncan Cameron? I wonder what impact the announcement of Māori history & NZ Landwars to be taught in schools will have on the whole community?