Learning Te Reo with My Daughter

My daughter, who is nine, came home from school in Auckland one day and said "Kia ora, Mum" and then taught me five words of te reo Māori she'd learned that day.

I grew up in New Zealand but never learned the language properly. So we made a deal: she'd teach me one new word every day at dinner, and I'd try to use it at least once the next day.

We've done it every day for a year now. I know the words for kitchen, rain, grandmother, friend and love. I know how to say "good morning" and "see you later" and "the dog ate my sandwich," which she insisted was essential.

Last week, I greeted a Māori elder at the community center in te reo. She smiled and replied, and we had a small, slow conversation. My daughter was beaming. "You're so much better, Mum," she said. I am, thanks to my teacher.