Oxford University Posthumously Honours Mฤori โขScholar Mฤkereti Papakura, A Century After Her Studies
Oxford, UK โ – In a moving
Education Minister Sought to Limit Mฤori Words in Early Reading Books
WELLINGTON, new Zealand – Documents released under the Official Information Act reveal Education Minister Erica Stanford directed officials to reduce the inclusion of Mฤori words in early reading books, specifically the “Ready to Read” series, to better align with phonics-based instruction. the move, initially proposed in late 2023, sparked internal debate within the Ministry of Education regarding potential public and media backlash.
The “Ready to Read” series, designed for beginning readers, has historically included a limited number of Mฤori words. Ministry papers show 26 of the 75 books in the series contained up to three Mฤori words each, while one book, ‘At the Marae’, featured six. The series was specifically designed to teach English sound-letter correspondences, and officials advised schools to treat Mฤori words within the books as “told” words, not to be decoded phonetically.
Stanford’s concern, outlined in a handwritten note, centered on the timing of introducing te reo Mฤori. She advocated for it’s introduction *after* children had completed the “decodable” book phase, typically at the end of their first year or beginning of their second year of school. She specifically requested a section on te reo Mฤori vowel sounds and pronunciation be added to the English curriculum to prepare students for encountering Mฤori words in school journals.
Internal discussions also revealed a divergence of opinion regarding the inclusion of English words in te reo Mฤori decodable books. Stanford noted feedback from kura leaders who opposed the inclusion of English words in early te reo learning materials,suggesting consistency in keeping early Year 1 decodable books monolingual,with exceptions only for names.
Ministry officials cautioned that removing Mฤori words from the “Ready to Read” series, beyond character names, could generate negative public reaction and media attention, particularly if existing books were recalled. The documents indicate a concern about potential pushback from stakeholders.
Stanford responded by clarifying her intention was limited to Year 1 decodable books focused on teaching English, aligning with the approach taken in te reo Mฤori decodable resources. She reiterated that te reo Mฤori would be introduced instantly after the completion of decodable books, typically transitioning students to school journals at the end of Year 1 or early Year 2.
The “Ready to Read” series, launched in 1995, is a cornerstone of early literacy instruction in New Zealand schools. The debate highlights ongoing discussions about the role of te reo Mฤori in the national curriculum and the balance between phonics-based instruction and culturally responsive pedagogy. The Ministry of Education has not yet publicly announced any changes to the “Ready to Read” series as of February 29, 2024.
Dancer Defies Limits, Charms World Stage
Wheelchair-bound performer embraces passion and overcomes adversity.
Thirty-year-old **Shenaragh Nemani** is proving that physical limitations are no barrier to artistic expression, captivating audiences worldwide with her vibrant Latin dance performances. Despite living with cerebral palsy, quadriplegia, and scoliosis, and communicating via computer, Nemani’s energy and passion are infectious.
From Seated Observation to Global Recognition
Nemani’s dance journey began around age seven when her uncle encouraged her to join a group dance. Though unable to move physically, a powerful song sparked an involuntary movement in her hands, igniting a lifelong love for dance.
Her unique talent was later discovered by legendary salsa dancer **Albert Torres**. He invited her to perform at the 2016 World Latin Dance Cup in Miami, creating a special “Limitless” division for her. With community support to fund her travel, Nemani triumphed, winning first place and winning over the audience and judges.
โI just started crying because I was like, โoh my god, they love her!โโ
โCheryl Nemani, Shenaragh’s Mother
Nemani has since graced stages in Los Angeles and New York and was recently preparing for a performance in Puerto Rico. She expressed her excitement, noting, “Iโm always excited when I get the chance to perform, wherever it may be. But going overseas is a plus โ the guys are so hot and they always come up to me.”
Navigating a World Not Built for Her
Nemani’s mother, **Cheryl**, described the significant financial and emotional toll of supporting her daughter’s passion. The family relies on fundraising to cover the costs associated with Nemani’s extensive care and performance opportunities. Cheryl shared her pride in seeing her daughter shine on stage, stating, “She dances on stage in the same space as world champions. So I love to see everyoneโs faces when they see her go on cause sheโs in this wheelchair and, you know, you want to see her, honestly, her hands are gone, her legs are gone and sheโs loving it.”
The family faces ongoing challenges, including frequent hospital visits, numerous surgeries, and the complexities of navigating disability benefits. Cheryl recounted the frustrating need to constantly re-verify Nemani’s condition, even when medical professionals confirm her limitations.
โI literally walk her in the office and go, โYep, she still canโt walk, she still canโt do anything for herselfโ. I literally have to do that. The doctors and the specialists and the nurses write letters and say โshe will never be able to do thisโ and it doesnโt matter.โ
โCheryl Nemani, Shenaragh’s Mother
Nemani herself is candid about the difficulties of living with cerebral palsy, calling it “a pain the a***.” She expressed frustration over physical limitations and the sadness of watching others participate in activities she cannot. However, she also sees a positive aspect: “the good side to it is me being able to educate others just by being me.”
Pursuing Education and Breaking Stigmas
Beyond dance, Nemani is pursuing a business degree at a local polytechnic and studying traditional Mฤori healing practices with her mother. Despite facing employment discrimination, where potential employers often dismiss her, Nemani remains determined.
According to a 2023 report by the World Health Organization, an estimated 1.3 billion people worldwide live with a significant disability, yet societal barriers often prevent full inclusion and participation in economic and social life (Source: World Health Organization).
Nemani’s parents provide unwavering support through periods of depression, driven by a desire to help her achieve a fulfilling life. Nemani’s message to the public is clear: “I may be in a chair but please donโt judge meโฆ I understand most things you say, and I can respond but you just need to have a little patience [as] I put my sentence together. Iโm happy-go-lucky but also sensitive. Say hi, donโt be shy.”
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UN Special rapporteur Urges New Zealand to Uphold Indigenous Rights
A United Nations expert has called on the New Zealand government to adhere to it’s commitments regarding the rights of indigenous peoples, highlighting the nation’s participation in international human rights frameworks.
Quote pulled from UN Special Rapporteur Albert K. Barume’s letter to New Zealand government (Source: 1News)
In response to questions about the United Nations’ capacity to hold Aotearoa accountable for indigenous rights, Takitimu emphasized that New Zealand’s adherence to the “international framework” and its past reliance on it for legitimacy necessitate accepting both support and criticism.
takitimu stated, “Indigenous peoples have always utilised that framework, and so has New Zealand as a state party, and so that, again, comes back to the very foundations of the United Nations to set some sort of global standards, and they have, in regards to indigenous rights and human rights, and they are holding the New Zealand Government to account for that.That’s exactly what they are set up to do.”