Man reconnects with Māori language after attempting assimilation
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Nathan Grey (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Raukawa) of New Zealand grew up disconnected from his Māori heritage, believing success meant identifying as Pākehā, people of European descent.
He actively sought to be seen as white during his youth, even embracing a nickname referencing his mixed heritage. However, after his brother completed a te reo Māori immersion course, Grey felt drawn to reclaim his ancestral language and identity.
He enrolled in the same program at Te Wānanga Takiura and began learning te reo Māori, a process he found emotionally challenging as it forced him to confront feelings he had suppressed for years. The wānanga provided a supportive environment where he could process these feelings alongside others on similar journeys.
Now a teacher of te reo Māori at Selwyn Community Education, Grey shares the language with a diverse group of students, including both Pākehā and international learners from countries like Argentina. He believes that sharing te reo Māori fosters respect and understanding of Māori culture, benefiting all of New Zealand. Grey hopes his students will continue their language learning, confident in their ability to succeed.
