Te Reo Learning in Schools - One Opinion
I applaud the effort to explore this topic but feel the research question was too narrow to provide a useful answer. Which schools - all, primary, intermediate, or secondary? Will each level have a set curriculum? Will 'standards' be set? And - most importantly - who is going to teach it
I am in favour of making te reo compulsory in primary schools, with a designated basic curriculum, as long as each class has a teacher confident enough with the language to use it in the classroom on a daily basis. In this way, students can become as familiar with and comfortable using and learning te reo as they do developing their English language skills.
Children learn a language much faster when they are young and, with encouragement, they will continue using the language on a daily basis both in and out of school without the fear of making an error - which is a factor that prevents many adults giving it a go. More advanced te reo could build on this base at intermediate and secondary schools - as an option alongside other languages - if qualified teachers are available.
Making te reo a normal, integrated part of their daily lives will result in many of the fears and concerns of our adult population diminishing over time. Then maybe NZ can be as cosmopolitan as most other countries in the world. There are very few where only one language is spoken.
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
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52.8% Human-centred experience and communication
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14.7% Critical thinking
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29.6% Resilience and adaptability
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2.9% Other - I will share below!
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
Make a hearty dish. Take just half a minute. Add four parts of kestrel. Then just add one. What have you made?
(Trev from Silverdale kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Trev!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
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Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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