input around the dinner table” while young but that has gradually grown. His mother, Dr
good, it was only once a week, so we taught each other at College, conversing in Māori and encouraging each other.” However, the opportunities for boys to immerse themselves in te reo and tikanga to new levels really came in 2022 with the arrival of Matua Keri Campbell. Appointed Head of Department and Bicultural Co-ordinator, Keri has driven an expanded Te Reo Māori & Indigenous Studies programme at College, in tandem with Julius Housemaster Dr Mike Field. “When Matua Campbell came in Year 12, that was like a whole different level of learning,” Jack explains. “It was real one-on-one learning. The difference between my original knowledge when I came to Christ’s College to my knowledge and ability last year and in 2023 is immense. When we did our mihi whakatau (welcome) to students, staff, and families on the Quad this year, I knew that I could look at my mates beside me and see that understanding and knowledge.” While Jack is alone on his Level 3 haerenga this year, he “appreciates the great opportunity”. “I share a class with Year 12 students, and I can also give them tips. It’s a challenge at Year 13 and being the only one but I like it. Matua Campbell gives me more work and keeps me going. I certainly have so much more knowledge now. “I also notice things more regarding the impact of Māori
tikanga and I have had many more experiences, with visits to marae. I have been to a leadership day on the marae and have had this whole experience that most people do not get to have, with a pōwhiri and a hāngi.” All these opportunities are opening a path to leadership roles and higher learning in his post- College life. “Many university courses have Māori Studies as a compulsory subject,” Jack says. “So doing Māori Studies at College gives you a major head-start at university. “I plan to study Law, along with Māori Studies, at the University of Otago, so it makes it much easier for me having that grounding. I already know so much.” He hopes to eventually specialise in law relating to Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi), with a family member already involved in this field. “A knowledge of Māori and the treaty is becoming more of a requirement for many careers. Even basic knowledge and greater understanding all contribute to everyone’s future.” For Jack, his College journey is all about loving the language and living the culture. “My journey in te reo has helped me reconnect with my identity. I have got to know and understand myself better, gained more confidence, and today have a stronger voice. College has supported that journey and I urge every boy to learn te reo.”
Tania Huria, is a medical
researcher, with a strong interest in Māori health and outcomes, while his father, Louie Mckenzie, is a builder. “Mum is even more into te reo now with both me and my younger
brother, Tai, learning Māori so that we can all talk more at home. Dad, who is pākeha, is also getting more involved and embracing the culture,” Jack says. “My Māori journey has helped my mum portray her identify as a Māori woman because her children are more in touch with their culture than they used to be.” In his first year at College, Jack had his first exposure to general Māori tikanga, enjoying the chance to learn more from te reo kaiako (teacher) Steve Everingham. “Moving into Year 10, my mother encouraged me, along with three other boys, to pursue te reo at College,” he says. “We were such a small group, but we pushed each other to achieve so much more, despite there being so much to learn. “In Year 11, there were few on- campus resources, so College arranged for us to join Zoom classes with students from other schools. While that was
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