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English I Maori
Te Ataarangi: Background
Developed during the late 1970’s by Katerina te Heikoko Mataira and Ngoingoi Pewhairangi, Te Ataarangi was designed as a community-based programme of Maori language learning in which native speakers of te reo Maori (Maori language) were trained to be tutors.
The teaching methodology used at the elementary level was modeled on the ‘Silent Way’ method developed by Caleb Cattengo for learning a second language that utilised coloured rods and large amounts of spoken language – in direct contrast to the grammar based, academic approaches to language learning in vogue at the time.
It was seen as an approach more likely to be more effective with Maori learners. This proved to be the case, and Te Ataarangi became one of the significant programmes to address the revitalization of te reo Maori amongst non-speaking Maori adults.
Who are We
Te Ataarangi Incorporated Society
In 1981, Te Ataarangi Incorporated Society was established to formalize the operations of Te Ataarangi as a movement. This body consisted of a Komiti Matua (National Council), nine rohe (Regional Councils) and several peka (local branches) in each region.
The Incorporated Society is the membership of the movement and the Komiti Matua is the Executive of the Society who are charged with working on behalf of that membership. The Komiti Matua is elected every 3 years.
As of the meeting of Te Komiti Matua held on the 31 August 2005, there were a recorded 749 paid members which, according to Officers of Te Komiti Matua, is not indicative of the true number of people involved with Te Ataarangi as students, teachers or supporters.
Membership refers certainly to those who pay the Membership Fee but in the spirit of inclusiveness, people are not ‘shut out’ and the membership in a general sense includes all who choose to associate with Te Ataarangi through family and friends.
The Annual General Meetings for Te Ataarangi typically attract up to 500 participants and it is regarded as the highlight in the annual calendar of members.
Te Komiti Matua retains the intellectual property rights associated with the programmes and publications and is also responsible for the collection of license fees in relation to the copyrighted materials and programmes of the incorporated society.
Te Komiti Matua for 2005 includes:
- Rahera Shortland (Chair)
- Rukuwai Daniel (Asst. Chair)
- Maira Pihema (Secretary)
- Rotohiko Ainsley (Treasurer)
- Te Atakohu O’Sullivan
- Makere Roa
- Poike Riroroko Pakomio
Te Kura Motuhake o Te Ataaraangi
Te Kura Motuhake o Te Ataarangi is an accredited Private Training Establishment located in Wairoa. It is involved in providing a te reo Maori training programme based on Te Ataarangi pedagogy mixed with NZQA units for unemployed persons in the local area.
The courses are highly valued by the Wairoa community and recognized nationally by NZQA and SkillNZ for the excellent quality of the programmes offered. TOPS funding supports most of the trainees but a significant additional funding source is now required to support trainees who are pursuing higher level courses at Te Wananga o Te Awanuiarangi and Te Wananga o Raukawa.
To prepare for this growth Te Kura Motuhake are currently working towards establishing themselves as a stand alone institution with its own charter. It will continue to be a valued Ataarangi operation associated with the national membership but autonomous in its management and direction. The development of this Kura is being lead by Graeme and Liz Hunkin.
Te Ataarangi Educational Trust
In 1999, the Te Ataarangi Educational Trust was established for the primary functions of:
- advancing the training needs of tutors
- responding to te reo learning needs of community groups and government agencies
- advancing the learning needs of students
- building an infrastructure to support the expanding activities and relationships of Te Ataarangi
- designing new programmes and learning resources
- forming partnerships with tertiary institutions
- sourcing funding
The Board of Trustees are Ataarangi members whose personal contribution to Te Ataarangi is acknowledged. They are:
- Dr Katerina Mataira
- Te Ripowai Higgins
- Rahera Shortland
- Rotohiko Ainsley
- Dr David Jansen (the Chairman)
- Lyn Harrison.
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