Maranga Mai! Te Reo and Marae in Crisis?

In recent decades, Maori have made huge efforts to reinvigorate te reo and the life of marae as the twin cornerstones of Maori identity. Maori television and radio stations have been set up, the Maori Language Commission established and kohanga reo, kura kaupapa and wananga have emerged. Old marae gained new coats of paint and new marae were established. But despite these efforts, te reo and tribal marae today seem to be in crisis. The number of children in kohanga reo is down 34 percent from its peak. Only 15 percent of Maori children are attending Maori-medium schooling. And fewer and fewer people are participating in marae activities. Without a living language spoken regularly on the marae or in everyday lives, what does the future hold for Maori and for our nation? Focusing on the northern tribla district Tai Tokerau as a case study but with conclusions applicable across the country, the leading Maori scholars and elders in Maranga Mai! ask these key questions and pose potential solutions. The chapters provide personal accounts and stories, statistics, demography and policy questions - and present important challenges for current and new generations of leaders to resolve.