September 19th, 2024
Te Reo Māori, the indigenous language of New Zealand, has seen a significant increase in interest and participation in recent years. This data story explores the trends in enrollments in Te Reo Māori language courses between 2012 and 2021, analysing the data published by Education Counts.
Overall increase in Te Reo Māori enrollments
Between 2012 and 2021, the total number of students enrolled in Te Reo Māori courses across all institutions and settings increased from 18,965 to 38,010, a growth of over 100%. This demonstrates a strong and growing interest in the language throughout the country.
Growth in non-formal settings
The number of students enrolled in non-formal Te Reo Māori courses increased significantly over the period. In 2012, there were 2,875 non-formal enrollments, which grew to 5,115 by 2021 – an increase of 78%. This suggests that more people are seeking flexible and alternative ways to learn the language outside of traditional classroom settings.
Shift towards Wānanga and Te Pūkenga
Wānanga (Māori-centred tertiary institutions) and Te Pūkenga (New Zealand Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics) experienced substantial growth in enrollments. Wānanga saw an increase from 8,885 students in 2012 to 23,675 in 2021, while Te Pūkenga enrollments grew from 4,290 to 8,790. This indicates a growing preference for institutions that emphasise Māori culture and values in their educational approach.
Participation by ethnic group
While European students have consistently made up the largest portion of enrollments in Te Reo Māori courses, the number of Māori students has also increased considerably. In 2012, there were 11,385 Māori students enrolled in Te Reo courses, and by 2021, this number grew to 19,170. This increase may reflect a resurgence in interest in preserving and revitalising the Māori language and culture among the indigenous population.
Universities experience slower growth
Although universities experienced overall growth in Te Reo Māori course enrollments, the rate of increase was notably slower compared to other institutions. University enrollments grew from 3,410 in 2012 to 3,670 in 2021. This could potentially be attributed to the greater focus on vocational and culturally immersive learning experiences offered by Wānanga and Te Pūkenga.
The growing interest and participation in Te Reo Māori language courses across New Zealand between 2012 and 2021 highlights the increasing value placed on the indigenous language and culture. With more diverse learning options and a broader range of students from various ethnic backgrounds engaging in these courses, the future of Te Reo Māori seems promising as the country continues to embrace its unique cultural heritage.
Wānanga experiencing remarkable growth
The Wānanga sub-sector has seen a substantial increase in enrollment across all ethnic groups. European and Māori students lead the charge, with an unprecedented surge in interest. Enrollment numbers for Pacific Peoples, Asian, and other ethnic groups are also on the rise, contributing to the overall growth in this sub-sector.
Te Pūkenga: rapid expansion in enrollment numbers
Te Pūkenga has witnessed a significant expansion in enrollment for Te Reo Māori language courses. High demand from European and Māori students is apparent, while Pacific Peoples, Asian, and other ethnic groups also contribute to the overall growth in this sub-sector.
Private Training Establishments (PTEs): trending upward
PTEs have seen a gradual increase in enrollment for Te Reo Māori language courses, with European students experiencing the most significant growth. Other ethnic groups, such as Māori, Pacific Peoples, Asian, and other groups, are also showing a rising interest in these courses.
Embracing Māori language and culture
The increasing enrollment numbers across all sub-sectors reflect New Zealand communities' growing interest in embracing the Māori language and culture. This trend highlights the importance of preserving and promoting the Māori language and demonstrates the success of efforts to make Te Reo Māori education accessible to a broader audience.