NZDF embraces Maori Language Week
The New Zealand Defence Force Māori Cultural Group, based at Ohakea, visited schools in Bulls and Feilding as part of Māori Language Week, which ran from 26 July to 2 August.
Air Force Māori Cultural Advisor, Warrant Officer Wal Wallace said, “The programme involved performing a couple of items but mostly involved interaction through Reo-based games and activities. The group was not large but the activities were fun and educational.”
The school visits were one of a number of Defence Force activities during Māori Language Week. There was also a Māori cultural ‘information day’ in the Defence House building where Defence personnel could view taonga (artefacts) up close as the Headquarters-based Māori Cultural Group demonstrated various elements of kapahaka.
The theme for this year’s Māori Language Week was Te Mahi Kai—the language of food. Defence Force Māori Cultural Advisor, W/O Jerald Twomey said, “We encouraged all Defence Force personnel to use Te Reo as much as possible during Māori Language Week, especially in relation to meal times and food.
Tikanga Māori is an integral part of life in the Defence Force, with each of the Service having an advisor for Māoritanga. These advisors provide guidance on protocols, ceremonial event management, kapa haka and Te Reo Māori. Contingents deployed overseas regularly welcome their replacements with a haka powhiri, which give a distinctive ‘Kiwi’ aspect to these occasions.
Currently, the Defence Force has 12, 478 full time Service men and women and civilian staff. Of this total about 15.75% identify as Māori.