2 minute read
Creating with Words
If you have lived or visited overseas, you may have found that people’s reaction to the uniqueness of Aotearoa New Zealand’s culture is one of appreciation and curiosity. The reason for this is often people’s knowledge of the haka or a travel blog or clip where Māoritanga (culture and practices) is introduced. The beauty and uniqueness of our bicultural expression is weighted towards Māoritanga and the richness it brings to our nation in its tikanga (values) and reo (language).
In this edition of SALT, we celebrate Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week). On page 16, you can read how Pipiwharauroa Campbell, national Māori lead for Addictions, Supportive Housing and Reintegration Services (ASARS), is encouraging us in Te Ope Whakaora (The Salvation Army) to integrate te reo in our everyday language and interactions.
I would also recommend reading the story on page 8 about ministry with a focus on integrating Māori tikanga at Rotorua Corps and Community Ministries, as they adapt their practices to ensure they are serving their community in a life-affirming and empowering way.
The Bible has a lot to say about language and words. In Genesis 1:1, as God speaks the first 26 verses of creation, it reads: ‘And God said...’ Again, in Hebrews 11:3 we read: ‘By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible’. If we extrapolate this out, our whole existence is created and founded on words. Words are a creative force— let us use them for good.
In our territory, te reo Māori is one of New Zealand’s three official languages, alongside English and New Zealand Sign Language (see page 34, In Fiji, they are English, Fijian and Fiji Hindi; in Tonga, they are Tongan and English; in Samoa, they are Samoan and English. Each nation should value and prioritise its indigenous languages. Here in Aotearoa, we have the opportunity to integrate te reo into our conversations and other forms of communication. Why not start this month, as we celebrate Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week).
