This Newsletter's kaupapa is about Regret.
And I'll start with this...By no specific targeting or dedicated outreach, the SITRM audience tends to be in the older age bracket.
My Meta audience statistics show that around 25% of followers are 34 years old and under. And around 20% are 55+ years old. Maybe that has something to do with my age (north of 35 š¤£).
Anyway, I've noticed over the years that there tends to be a more pronounced level of regret in the older generation; regret for not learning their language and about their culture at a younger age.
I've always enjoyed the following quote to inspire me to not dwell in a mental space of regret over "lost time"...
I've spoken to literally 1,000s of people about their reo journeys. Some in direct conversation, whilst others have shared their experiences, often with great vulnerability.
I've searched the term "regret" on my SITRM email inbox and a whole list of emails appeared. Below are some of the excerpts from those emails:
For over 20 years now I have wanted to learnTe Reo (I can sing in Maori and know basic words, not a fab singer but I love to). I have regrets including not just going for it earlier on in my life and not teaching my kids Reo. Of late I have felt so pulled toward leaning Reo and its stronger than any other time I have felt this pull.
It's just a shame that he [dad] didn't have enough to teach us when we were growing up. Something he really regrets. He will be so happy that I'm learning now. It's never too late!
I have whanau who are fluent which is embarrassing as you are aware I came from the era where te reo was not spoken at school
I donāt look from blame but myself for not trying earlier in life I know my whapapa. I know I let my children down but have to try harder for them I just need to find something that is available anytime all the time to help be better.
The point I want to make in this post is that it is never too late to start learning te reo MÄori.
You can absolutely start today!
There is no point in hanging on to the thought of lost time or lost opportunity. If you're living and breathing, your opportunity awaits!
Check out the following videos which include past students. These are but a handful of people that in the later stages of their life have cast aside their doubts and regrets, and committed to learning...ka rawe!
Meet Anza, Heather, and Chris...
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So if you have any regrets about your reo journey today (or lack thereof), now is the time reset and move forward with optimistic view of the future and what you can achieve.
The barriers to entry for learning down are significantly reduced, especially with the ability to learn online and at your own pace. There are opportunities with large commercial organisations, small at-home tutors, online group sessions, or free classes with Te WÄnanga o Aotearoa. On top of that there are endless videos on YouTube and other free online resources that you can access straight away to begin.
If you're ready to start your journey TODAY, comment below what you're plan is!
Te Ukaipo Update
Yesterday we held our first "muster" for the year, inviting our club members and guests along to learn about what we have planned for in 2025, and share in a delicious shared kai!
This hui was an opportunity to welcome our members back for the new year, as well as open the door for any first-timers to come along. Among our first-timers, we had a whÄnau with 7 young tamariki, a dear kuia who has been in Australia for 50+ years with limited cultural connection, as well welcoming two young kÅtiro back who have been away with their whÄnau for the last 8 years. It was an amazing morning spent with so many new faces.
I spoke at length about the structural changes we've made to our group, including the positives that this will deliver as well as the challenges these changes present (check out my previous Newsletters for more details on this). Our new "Programs" governance structure gives us the ability to sustainably capitalise on many opportunities that exist for our group to serve our people in the local community. Our subcommittee "chair" roles are now all full, something that we haven't had for over 12 months. Finding the right people with the right skills remains our biggest hurdle.
After the President's KÅrero we enjoyed a shared lunch. One of our awesome members is a seasoned head chef and has recently come on board to take on the stewardship of our commercial cookers. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch of chicken curry, steamed fish, and fry bread (plus lots of sweets!)....ngÄ mihi e hoa!
Our kai cookers from Multi Kai Cookers
Delicious fry-bread!
Manaaki Membership
Kia ora!
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For less than the price of a small coffee, your monthly contribution provides you with YouTube-specific member perks including:
- Enhanced profile features.
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Thanks for reading this week's Newsletter.
Mauri ora!
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