Kei tua o te awe mapara/beyond the mask: Maori language teaching in english-medium secondary schools in new zealand

Abstract

The New Zealand Curriculum Framework (Ministry of Education, 1993, p. 14) states that "[all] who learn te reo Maori help to secure its future as a living, dynamic, and rich language". However, I will argue here that appearance and reality are very far apart. Close examination of the context in which teachers of the Maori language operate tells a very different story, one characterised by inadequate consultation with teachers and communities, a lack of consistency between the advice provided in the curriculum guidelines document and the resources made available to teachers, and a failure to ensure that adequate pre- and inservice training is provided. Finally, as a way forward to help strengthen policy and inform Indigenous language teachers, a reflection on lessons learnt in the New Zealand context and some useful Indigenous language strategies will be provided.