Tāme

• weka
• 2 years ago
• Categories: activism, Te Reo Māori
• Tags: Tāme Iti, Te Wiki o te Reo Māori

There are so many ways in which this is awesome, a superb piece of activist and art. The soundtrack (Moana Maniapoto’s classic song Akona/A.E.I.O.U. teaching te reo pronunciation), the pacing in the video, cup of tea, the simple teaching of the word Tāme, the way Iti crosses out the letters, and says thank-you on his way out the door.

I will speak Māori

I will speak Māori

I will speak Māori

I will speak Māori

I will speak Māori

I will speak Māori

I will speak Māori

I will speak Māori

Pitch perfect and utterly delightful. Iti’s mana, that upholds his ability to do this in this way, is beautiful to behold and is both an inspiration for activists and something to reflect on.

The painter, Dean Proudfoot, has apologised for the mispelling, and said on 1News,

“There was no offence intended – it was a clear lack of research on my behalf. This series of works has always been about celebrating Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique characters.

“Tāme is the epitome of what makes our country special.

“What Tāme has done in ‘correcting’ it, has given the work a new life with a far more powerful meaning. It has been elevated. I thank him for that and from what I’ve learnt as well.”

The owner of the painting is less impressed. Cue national debate about art, vandalism, activism, racism, Te Reo Māori.

We’ve just come out of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori language week). Give it a whirl.