About

He kupu mō mātou

Te Ataarangi ki Te Tauihu o te Waka ā-Māui Inc – We provide quality te reo Māori classes and wānanga using the Te Ataarangi methodology. We currently have classes based in Takaka, Motueka, Tapawera, Waimeha, Whakatū, Wairau and Waikawa.

History

Tāhuhu Kōrero

Te Ataarangi was developed in the late 1970s by Dr. Kāterina Te Heikōkō Mataira and Ngoingoi Pewhairangi. It was designed as a community-based programme for adult Māori language learning.

Te Ataarangi is modelled on The Silent Way method developed by Caleb Gattegno, which utilises cuisenaire rods (rākau) and spoken language. This is in direct contrast to traditional grammar-based, academic approaches. His methodology was further developed to incorporate Māori values and customs, and Te Ataarangi was born.

Originally these programmes were delivered by native speakers of the Māori language who were trained to become tutors. In over 30 years since its inception, Te Ataarangi has taught thousands of adults to speak Māori. The continued support and development of a whole new generation of Māori language tutors have contributed to the revitalisation of the Māori language for the future.

Dr. Kāterina Te Heikōkō Mataira

Ngoingoi Pewhairangi

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Learning & Teaching Principles

Ngā Ture

In Te Ataarangi, the language is taught alongside Māori customs and values. Learners and facilitators are encouraged to abide by the following learning principles.

Kaua e kōrero Pākehā

Don’t speak English.
English is not used in class to maintain a true immersion Māori learning experience.

Kaua e poka tikanga

Don’t be disrespectful of customs or beliefs.
Be respectful of each other and of the principles and customs that guide our learning. No put-downs or disrespect to others or their beliefs.

Kaua e akiaki tētahi i tētahi

Don’t prompt one another.
We all learn at different paces. Some find learning very frustrating, or they have difficulty with their memory. Others have a fear of making mistakes. The best way to help someone is to give them time to work it out for themselves – don’t answer for them.

Kia ahu atu te pātai ki a koe, kātahi anō koe ka ahei ki te whakahoki

Only answer questions which are directed to you.
By waiting for your turn and not interrupting, everyone in the class is given a chance to speak and an opportunity to voice their opinion.

Kia ngākau māhaki

Be humble.
Of the 5 learning principles, this one is the most important. It incorporates the human values of truth, peace, harmony, right and proper conduct, non-violence, love, kindness, and goodwill. Being ‘ngākau māhaki’ is what we call it in Māori and it unites the learners into a single cohesive group learning together, mindful of, and respectful of each others needs. It also creates a safe, non-threatening environment in which optimum learning is realised.

Learn more about Te Ataarangi