Cockney kids tackle Maori

By JUSTIN LATIF - Western Leader

 

Last updated 05:00 28/07/2009

Photo: JUSTIN LATIF

LANGUAGE LEARNERS: From left: Kai, Charles and Tia Graty are all learning more about the native people of their new homeland.

 

 

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Two Cockney accents can be heard learning the Maori language at the Nga Kakano Christian Bilingual School.

Henderson Heights residents Kai Graty, 7, and his sister Tia, 9, emigrated from London four years ago with their parents Gwendolyn and Charles.

The older Gratys decided to send their children to the bilingual, mainly Maori school.

Charles says the siblings have flourished in their new learning environment.

“It’s got a real community focus and they seem to be doing well,” he says.

Kai says he’s made lots of friends at his new school.

“It’s way different to our old school because we get to talk in Maori,” he says.

Charles is of British and Swiss descent and was born in Africa.

He wants his children to have the same multi-cultural exposure he did growing up.

“I’m quite open to other cultures,” he says.

“We have found that in New Zealand there can be quite a separation between Maori and European.

“But we didn’t see why it needed to be like that for our children as long as their educational needs were being met.

“And so they have that privilege of being exposed to the Maori culture.”

Charles has also delved into Maori culture.

“I did a te reo Maori course at the Te Wanaga o Aotearoa when I first came here,” the 49-year-old says.

“It was quite a steep learning curve but a really good experience.

“It also got me researching my own ancestry and thinking about what makes up my culture.

“In England we’ve lost our identity. I think that’s why people there go so mad on the football – because it gives them an identity of sorts.”

Charles still wants his children to be proud of their own heritage.

“They need to know their own culture and they are Londoners really. We just like them to be exposed to a multicultural environment.”