Otorohanga
Pera MacDonald wishes people would learn how to pronounce Ōtorohanga correctly.
Pera Macdonald, left, pictured with Maniapoto orator Shane Te Ruki, is creating a free Te Reo summer school.
And as one of Te Nehenehenui’s renowned kaikaranga and kaiwaiata, she is willing to teach them.
“My passion has always been my reo and I like to share it with anybody who is interested,” MacDonald told those attending Elevate Ōtorohanga’s electoral candidate meeting during Te Wiki o te Reo Māori 2025.
She asked candidates to take note of her pronunciation of the town and district name.
“I want to encourage you, non-Māori speakers and you Māori that don’t pronounce our names correctly, to think about that,” MacDonald said.
“I offer my services for free. I have already had one councillor talking to me wanting to learn. If you are interested I will out my hand up and put a summer school together.”
MacDonald told The News, after the meeting, that lessons would begin in October.
Te Nehenehenui Group chief executive Sam Mikaere was delighted to hear of MacDonald’s initiative.
“We are certainly supportive of the idea of sharing Te Reo,” he said.
“It’s a beautiful time to be doing so.”
MacDonald serves as a cultural advisor for Ōtorohanga Museum and is closely involved with the Ōtorohanga Kiwi House Charitable Trust.
