The revival of te reo Māori stands as a proud reflection of cultural resilience. This article explores the importance of the roles of educators and fluent speakers, which go beyond imparting knowledge to nurturing growth in a safe and encouraging learning environment. Maimoa Creative's recent poll of over 800 individuals sheds light on the emotional hurdles faced by learners— with shame, fear, and doubt top the list. It’s a call to action for fluent speakers to foster an inclusive environment that celebrates progress over perfection. An assurance that mistakes are not setbacks but essential steps in the learning process, underscoring the importance of cultural immersion and community backing in fostering a positive learning journey.
