He Taonga a much-loved resource for international student

As part of our ongoing commitment to biculturalism and bilingualism, New Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC) launched Te Reo Māori: He taonga mō ā tātou mokopuna (He Taonga) in 2016 – a teaching and learning resource designed to support early childhood educators using te reo Māori in their centres.

ECE students enrolled with the college are gifted their very own copy to support them with weaving the language and culture in daily practice.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE) graduate Jiawen Meng treasures He Taonga, which she says she regularly referred to throughout her studies with NZTC.

“Bicultural education is an important part of New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum Te Whāriki. Strengthening my knowledge of te reo Māori is an effective way to nurture the cherished culture and to honour my dedication to the country’s Te Tiriti o Waitangi partnership as an educator.

“He Taonga is fantastic as it systematically encompasses every basic aspect of te reo in a clear and simple way, with some wonderful templates that can be used directly in teaching. For someone who is from another country, having access to a resource like this to support my learning is extremely valuable.

“I particularly enjoy the sections on prayers and introductions as they can be authentically implemented in my centre’s curriculum. For example, our children are taught to say their pepeha (Māori introduction) at their graduation.”

Drawing inspiration from He Taonga, Jiawen enjoys implementing te reo Māori into her centre in a range of other creative ways.

“We sing Māori songs, play games with tī rākau (Māori sticks), dance with poi (a traditional ball on a cord) and celebrate significant events such as Matariki (Māori New Year).

“I noticed that we needed more physical resources too, so I also developed my own flash cards to practice Māori phrases with the children.”