Compulsory Te Reo sparks debate

By Nicole Pryor

Concerns about compulsory Maori language and culture training for teachers are mounting as the education system inches closer to the new “Tataiako” programme.

Teachers in training will start the compulsory Maori language and culture programme later this year. It is planned to be in every school by the end of 2012.

According to Minister of Maori Affairs Dr Pita Sharples, “Tataiko” will help educators reach Maori students.

He says: “‘Tataiako’ extends the principle behind the very successful ‘Kotahitanga’ programme, which helps teachers to engage better with Maori students and their whanau and communities, to make their teaching more effective.”

To curb worries about its launch, Sharples eases critics about a compulsory starting point.

“This approach will be phased in, in co-operation with the teaching profession, and subject to review with a view to mandating these competencies in future. I made the decision not to make these competencies compulsory from the outset.”

However, Patrick Walsh, president of the Secondary Principals Association, is still concerned about the programme becoming mandatory.

“We are fully confident that Dr Pita Sharples can assist in creating a comprehensive programme,” says Walsh.

“However, we don’t think it’s appropriate to make it mandatory.  Many people already voluntarily take these programmes.  When you make it compulsory and force the courses onto them, it builds resentment and undermines the objectives.”

Walsh confirms his support for programmes that target Maori education, such as the “He Kakano” programme launched in September last year.

However, he thinks an “exciting, relevant programme that offers incentives – like no cost rather –than sticks” is a better option.

Walsh also commented on the resourcing issues of the programme.

“That was one thing the proposal was silent about – who pays?”, Walsh  says.