i'm probably not, because, although I respect Moana for what she is doing for maori music, I don't actually dig the music all that much- though I do actually like one of the songs did a while ago- which I can't actually remember..

I think it is interesting the issue of language in schools though. New Zealand has been really slow in adapting a situation where kids have some compulsory second language learning- apart from those who come here then need to learn english to adapt into the mainstream system here. In fact this is about the only thing I kinda support bill english in-argh!that doesn't happen often!- That is, that at a young age kids are able to learn a whole lot, especially picking up different languages. Why shouldn't one of those languages be Maori? admittingly there is a lot of controversy surrounding the addition of compulsory Maori language learning in the mainstream, however, I think that it's mental that so many New Zealanders who have been here for ages don't have any, even, basic knowledge of tikanga and te reo. However, if the mainstream media isn't prepared to support it then many people are unlikely to see the relevance to learning it in schools.

As far as the inclusion of Te Reo Maori music on mainstream radio- I do support that idea that maybe the programme directors of mainstream networks should have a go at including Music that includes Maori language. Especially if it fits into their format in other ways, such as being pop music, or indeed 'easy listening', classical or whatever. Fobbing it off to Mai fm is a bit of a cop out. though, Mai fm is a wicked station for r'n'b and hip hop music. And that's another issue - not all prominent and interesting Maori music is actually within those genres,as Moana pointed out- theres a lot more great stuff out there.