I felt like an awkward teenager starting at a new high school. I gave off a “don’t talk to me” vibe for the first few days, I was lacking. I didn’t feel I had enough in my kete to sustain a conversation without f#$king up! 

Vulnerable and exposed, I remember telling Reo, “I don’t feel like I belong here.” He responded, “Yeah, hard out. You’ve got this — you’re here now, might as well finish it.” We laughed and I pressed on.  I immediately felt the pressure but leaned on wanting to learn the most. Swim and drown. 

After kai we gathered in the wharenui to begin. We placed ourselves in groups based on our Reo level. 1 least fluent – 7 most fluent. I put myself in group 1. I just needed a starting point and a group I could relate to. My taniwha (ego) kept getting in the way, but I wasn’t going to cheat myself. We were a humble group of eight people compared to the 20 + people in other groups, intimidating for sure?

Each group were given 3.5 hours with a kaiako. Our Kaiako were, Quinton Hita, Kingi Rakete- Tane, Moe and Tanya Milne, Aperahama Edwards, Taylor Faddy, the cousins, Devon Wikaira and Hinewai Pomare for us it almost felt like a one on one session, we were so small, we took full advantage. I swear we must’ve looked like deer in headlights. Our kaiako would constantly ask if we were following, I think for the most part yes, and sometime no. lol. 

I missed a few sessions due to responsibilities, when I was there, I made the most of it. Our small but fierce team made it a point to participate in all the activities, particularly when working with the wider group. I think we found our courage together. 

I want to highlight some of the gems I picked up from the sessions I caught. 

Papa Q shared his journey with his tamariki and warned about the dangers of righteousness and judgment. He encouraged making plenty of mistakes — embrace the mess, don’t over-rationalise things, succumb and lean in. He also has a train analogy best told by him.

Aperahama — a gentle giant raised by his nan who spoke only Te Reo — later recognised how fortunate he was, learning the language through everyday conversations and interactions. His warm, effortless approach made the session seamless. He focused on kiwaha and whakataukī, underlining their importance and particularly their impact on behaviour.

Whaea Moe and Tanya left me full of promise. Their session was the most profound for me: wahine who speak only Te Reo, committed to whānau and community. I already knew this about them, but hearing it from them—their love and passion—made me want it for my whanau and I. “Oro” the tone of Te Reo was their kaupapa, aimed at expression and intention. Māori use many vocal sounds, little noises like “ooosh” or “waaartz”. 

After their session, each group had to create a song using only vowels as kupu. We could adapt a nursery rhyme or pop tune and perform it at kai to the wider group. We chose “Circle of Life,” replacing ingoyama nengwe nama bala for a e i o u, no surprises.

I’m big on truth and facts, for Devon’s session I was dialled in. With no tools – whiteboard, TV, or projector but the wharenui, he landed on Tikanga.  He had us question our pūrākau have an open our mind to what is true. Enquiry is something I do regularly, I love to question and challenge things, to understand more. I love rabbit holes, especially around human behaviour. I’m a scientist and realist. Devon helped me look deeper into purakau closer to home, relative to me. His korero impacted me profoundly. 

Almost every session involved games, and competition was high. In Hinewai’s session we played an adapted version of the kaupapa game only with cards that included super cards like Disney songs or iwi anthems. Our youngest teammate, Tiana, smashed it and won all the super cards. Hinewai shared footage of interviews with kaumātua from Te Tai Tokerau and their experiences as fluent Reo speakers, she also touched on the history around Tā Himi’s experience finding of Te Tiriti (the actual document), during his time at the Beehive petitioning Reo be taught through Kohanag Reo, Kura Kaupapa etc. You should join the next Kura Reo Wānanga in Hokianga in 2027 if you want to learn that story.

It’s true what they say: just start. The initial fear fades. What’s left is desire, determination, and a craving to continue. I went alone, without support or comfort of others. I did this for me and my babies. Whatever your why is, let it be powerful enough to get you started. No one truly knows how you feel, they’re focused on their own feelings. 

Te Taumata do an incredible job. Ensuring both kaiako and participants are looked after. The quality of fluent speakers are deeply rooted in our community, nationally and internationally. 

I’d like to acknowledge our rinagwera (whanau who prepare our kai) nourishing us throughout the week. We needed the sustenance to last the week. Te Taumata whanau, thank you for upholding the mana of Te Reo. Thank you for all that you do, we see each you and the roles you play. Thank you for your energy, your commitment and your absolute dedication to this kaupapa. Our community is enriched and empowered and we benefit as a result of you aroha. Our Kaiako, leaders and masters of Te Reo. Thank you for your time and your aroha. Dealing with so many different Reo levels and having to cater to us all has to be taxing, so I thank you showing up for us. 

I highly recommend Kura Reo to anyone in Tai Tokerau, regardless of your level. Just Start. Your younger self will thank you.