A pilot programme providing a unique opportunity to ethnic communities to learn Maori language and protocol will be held at the end of this month.
‘Nau Mai Piki Mai (A Marae Experience) will he held on March 29 and 30 at Te Manukanuka o Hoturoa Tamaki Herenga Waka (off Uenuku Way) near the Auckland Airport.
The first programme was held at Hoani Waititi Marae in the Auckland suburb of Glen Eden on March 1 and 2.
An initiative of the Wellington based New Zealand Federation of Multicultural Councils, the Pilot Programme is sponsored by Multicultural New Zealand, Auckland Council, New Zealand Police and the Social Development Ministry (through its E Tu Programme).
Great environment
Federation Executive Director Tayo Agunlejika said that the marae provides a great environment to learn more about Maori language and protocol and share stories and experiences.
“We will be discussing difficult topics like parenting in New Zealand while retaining one’s culture and values; understanding children’s rights; domestic violence in ethnic communities; as well as how to prepare for a civil emergency, learning from refugee and migrant ethnic communities of Christchurch,” he said.
Mr Agunlejika said that the Federation’s goal was to make this a shared event for all established and emerging ethnic organisations.
