Kei moenga - tārā i te ārero. Lest it be severed from the tongue

Abstract

Tūwharetoa are a distinctive tribal group who are located within the central North Island. With a proud and celebrated history, Tūwharetoa evolved through out time to become a complex and unique tribe, containing a number of sub tribes, each with its own authority, structure and land holdings. However, like all Māori, Tūwharetoa were greatly affected by the impact of European colonisation. In particular the unique language and customs of Tūwharetoa where savaged by the policy of assimilation and the introduction of a new language and its cultural beliefs. Presently the traditional language of Tūwharetoa is in a perilous state, and regardless of the many Māori language initiatives that have been established over the past few decades, the special language of Tūwharetoa is declining. This thesis is concerned with understanding the reasons why the traditional language of Tūwharetoa finds itself in this position, while also assessing the initatives implemented by Tūwharetoa to rectify this situation. Furthermore this study will look to create a possible pathway forward for Tūwharetoa to support the regeneration and revitalisation of the language. Ultimately this thesis will propose a framework bedded within language planning theory, supported by a kaupapa Māori research methodology and founded within the beliefs of Tūwharetoa, to see the return of te reo Māori as the main form of communication for the people of Tūwharetoa, and as a clear marker of our identity and uniqueness.