Two generations, one reo Māori journey

When Melody Francis (Ngāti Kahungunu) saw the positive impact that studying te reo Māori had on her mum, she decided to jump on the waka and begin the journey alongside her.

That was 4 years ago, and since then, the mother and daughter duo have shared a transformative experience that has strengthened their connection to each other, te reo Māori and te ao Māori.

"After the passing of my brother, mum began studying at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. It gave her something positive to focus on and led her back to who she was a wahine Māori. Seeing her passion inspired me," says Melody.

As a mum of 2 daughters herself, Melody was also motivated by a desire to bring te reo Māori into her own home and create opportunities for her tamariki to connect with te ao Māori while they were still young.

"We didn't go down the kōhanga or kura kaupapa route, but I quickly realised that it wasn't too late and I could still be the one to bring te reo Māori into our home and make it part of our everyday lives."

Together, Melody and her mum have studied reo Māori levels 1 to 4 at the Taiwhanga Campus of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa in Huntly, learning side by side as they strengthened their relationship and created opportunities to tautoko one another while practising their reo outside the classroom.

As well as learning alongside her mum, Melody cares for her at home in her role as a support worker, balancing her responsibilities as both a daughter and caregiver throughout their shared learning journey.

"It's been really cool learning alongside Mum. Not only for us as mother and daughter, but being able to practise at home and learn together. At home, I'm also her support worker, making sure she's getting the support she needs through our classes too."

What began as a learning journey has also led to a meaningful mahi opportunity, with Melody now working as a Disability Support Worker at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa after first starting her journey as a tauira.

"I've been able to take my learning and what I know as a tauira into my mahi, and it's been really rewarding to put it all into practice."

Looking back, Melody says the experience has shaped far more than her ability to speak te reo Māori.

"It was about reconnecting with my identity, creating something for my daughters, and supporting my mum. Along the way, I found a place where I belonged and discovered a purpose that was waiting for me."

Learn more about our reo Māori programmes.