Prioritizing Maths Over Te Reo: A Misguided Approach to Education that will cost the lucrative Tourism industry
The recent decision to slash $30 million from Te Ahu o te Reo Māori, a program designed to enhance teacher competency in te reo Māori, in favor of funding maths resources has sparked significant debate. While improving maths proficiency is undeniably important, this move overlooks the broader educational and cultural benefits of maintaining robust support for te reo Māori.
Historically, the New Zealand government took measures to extinguish the language, using domestic violence to shame students into assimilating to be better British subjects. Recent government actions and policies have sparked serious concerns about a lack of understanding and respect for te ao Māori, creating a perception that the government is ideologically hostile towards te ao Māori as they appeal to the coloniser fragility faction. Te reo Māori isn’t just a language; it’s the heart and soul of a culture. It carries the history, traditions, and values of Aotearoa. By teaching te reo in schools, we’re honouring the Treaty of Waitangi and our commitment to preserving and revitalising Māori culture.
Cutting funding for te reo Māori undermines efforts to redress past wrongs and perpetuates a sense that Māori culture is secondary to other educational priorities. Learning isn’t just about getting good grades. It’s about becoming well-rounded individuals who understand and appreciate diverse cultures. Learning te reo gives kids a unique perspective on the world, enriching their educational experience. It promotes bilingualism, which has been shown to enhance cognitive abilities and academic performance across various subjects, including maths.
Māori cultural tourism plays a vital role in New Zealand’s economy, generating an estimated $214 million annually. This thriving sector encompasses a diverse range of services, including accommodation, dining, arts, recreation, and cultural performances.
Māori cultural tourism offers unique and authentic experiences that attract both domestic and international visitors. These experiences not only provide significant economic benefits but also play a crucial role in preserving and promoting Māori culture and heritage for future generations.
Alternatively, maths is unquantifiable in its contribution to the tourism industry because no tourists come to Aotearoa to see our achievements in mathematics. No tourist ever said I will travel to Aotearoa New Zealand the land of the long white cloud in the South Pacific to enjoy their arithmetic.
Te reo Māori programs have been instrumental in building stronger communities. They foster a sense of belonging and pride among Māori students and help non-Māori students develop a deeper understanding and respect for Māori culture. This cultural competence is crucial in a multicultural society and contributes to social cohesion. In today’s digital age, the argument for prioritizing maths over te reo Māori becomes less compelling when considering the widespread availability of technology.
With calculators, spreadsheets, and advanced mathematical tools readily accessible on smartphones, the necessity for traditional maths skills is diminished. While a foundational understanding of maths is important, the reliance on manual calculations has decreased significantly.
This shift underscores the need for a balanced curriculum that values cultural education alongside technological proficiency. The Impact of AI on Maths Education Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing many fields, including education. AI systems can now solve complex mathematical problems, reducing the need for humans to perform these calculations manually. This technological advancement means that students can focus more on understanding concepts and applying them creatively rather than on rote calculations.
As AI continues to evolve, its role in education will likely expand, further diminishing the necessity for traditional maths skills. Investing in te reo Māori is the best way to ensure kids get a well-rounded education that prepares them for the future while also respecting our cultural commitments. Cutting funding for te reo Māori is a short-sighted decision that ignores the long-term benefits of a culturally inclusive education.
A decline in the quality and availability of Māori cultural experiences could lead to a decrease in tourist numbers and, consequently, a reduction in tourism revenue. Visitors come to Aotearoa not just for its natural beauty but also to engage with its unique cultural heritage. If the government undermines the support for te reo Māori, it risks eroding one of the key attractions that differentiate New Zealand from other destinations.
