The mamae (pain) of having to learn your own language

In 1972, Hana Te Hemara and Ngā Tamatoa ascended the steps of Parliament to present the Māori Language Petition to the Government, in an attempt to save a dying language that was on its last legs. For many urbanised Māori, however, learning te reo often brings a large sense of mamae (pain) or whakamā (shame), says Karanama Ruru of Stuff. While it was not our fault many of our people have lost our language, it is up to all of us to support and uplift the reo back to its rightful place. We’re all on a journey together and it’s up to us to ensure the language is passed on to the next generation. Kia kaha (stay strong), te reo Māori.