While the education sector is overwhelmingly in support of making te reo Maori compulsory in New Zealand schools, the public appears divided.
Among the comments on the Otago Daily Times Facebook page yesterday, many simply said "no" to the idea.
One stated: "making anything compulsory makes kids hate it", and another thought the subject should be optional.
"Yes, in primary school some basics to be taught as well as cultural awareness, but as for subjects through high school, it should be subjects that students will need in everyday life or are essential for getting a job.
"If the Maori people are facing a fading language, the Government should fund marae to teach there and not encroach on the educational needs of people working towards job goals."
But there was some support from the public. One person said they thought it was a great idea.
"Learning Maori at school (I went to bilingual school until age 9) was a wonderful, enriching experience for me, and has provided me with many opportunities and a better understanding of our national culture and history.
"Coming from a Pakeha family, I’m glad my parents had the foresight to give me an opportunity to learn Maori, and I really think it would benefit all kids today."
Another person agreed.
"Of course it should be! This is the only country in the world where te reo is spoken.
"The acceptance of the language would go a long way towards strengthening ties to our heritage. I wish I had learnt at school."
New Zealand Principals’ Federation president and Bathgate Park School principal Whetu Cormick, of Dunedin, applauded the Green Party’s call for the teaching of te reo in public schools.
The federation led the establishment of a professional learning development programme, the Maori Achievement Collaborations (Mac), to support principals to transform the culture of their schools and open up to biculturalism.
"Teaching te reo to every New Zealander will complement the Mac programme and greatly benefit all children in Aotearoa.
"It is admirable that we would aspire to a bilingual future for our country," he said.
Post Primary Teachers’ Association president Jack Boyle said the union had supported the teaching of the Maori language as a universal subject since 2001, so it was excellent to see a political party taking steps towards achieving it.
"Being able to learn te reo Maori will benefit every child in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Te reo Maori is part of the fabric of the economic, social and cultural history of all New Zealanders.
"Of course, having the right number of teachers of te reo is critical to the success of this policy.
"Currently, the demand for teachers of te reo Maori outstrips supply," Mr Boyle said.
There was a clear need for more teachers with appropriate skills and qualifications, he said.
