Children learn water safety through te reo Māori
Summary and headline written by AI from the source article. How we work
On the Kāpiti Coast of New Zealand, Terina Raureti organised Kauora Ahurei, a swimming event for around three hundred students from three schools. Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Rito, Te Kura ā iwi o Whakatupuranga Rua Mano, and Te Kura o Ōtaki, who competed while speaking only te reo Māori.
Raureti created the event because her nieces and nephews wanted a competitive swimming space where they could fully use their language and culture.
The event focused on pūkenga wai, or water competencies, including correctly putting on lifejackets before entering the pool. Raureti explained that many Māori families often participate in diving and fishing, making knowledge of water safety equipment especially important. She also noted that Māori communities face inequities in water safety statistics, which often reflect limited access to aquatic and water safety programs. Kauora Ahurei aimed to help children develop a love for the water while also understanding potential risks.
Jade Ratapu, a parent and worker at Te Kōhanga Reo o Raukawa, observed that her son, participating in his first swimming sports event, overcame initial nervousness and gained confidence in the water after attending Kauora swim classes taught in te reo. Volunteers like Nukuao and Hawaiki emphasised the event’s importance in promoting te reo Māori, strengthening Māori schools, and fostering connections between the participating schools through friendly competition.
