Mike McRoberts Reclaims His Heritage Through Te Reo Māori Journey

In a heartfelt exploration of his cultural heritage, broadcaster and author Mike McRoberts has detailed his transformative journey to reclaim his Māori language in his recently published book, Speaking My Language Te Kōrero i Tōku Reo. This personal account reflects his commitment to full immersion in Te Reo Māori and highlights the challenges he faced along the way.

McRoberts, whose ancestry traces back to Ngāti Kahungunu o te Wairoa, shares his feelings of intense shame, or whakamā, for not being able to communicate in his native tongue until recently. He describes a profound sense of emptiness stemming from a disconnect with his Māori identity. The author recalls childhood trips to Wairoa for Christmas, where he witnessed the vibrant Māori culture that he yearned to be a part of. “If it hadn’t been for those trips, I could have gone through my whole childhood and adolescence in Ōtautahi/Christchurch without ever having heard a word of Māori spoken,” he said during an interview with host Julian Wilcox on Māpuna.

His father, one of many Māori who moved to Christchurch for trades training, instilled a sense of community in McRoberts. Despite a supportive upbringing among the Māori community, he felt an ongoing sense of loss regarding his cultural connection. Reflecting on missed opportunities, he expressed a deep-seated bitterness over not being able to engage with kapa haka or learn Te Reo Māori earlier in life. “It’s hard not to carry that bitterness forever,” he noted. However, he emphasized the importance of moving forward: “At some point, you just have to say ‘ok, well it wasn’t there’, get off your ass and do something now, and that’s what I did.”

McRoberts acknowledges the slow progress in revitalizing the Māori language but encourages a focus on the achievements made thus far. He empathizes with those who feel hesitant to engage with Māori culture, understanding the anxiety surrounding language learning. “Once you get into it, it’s always given with aroha,” he stated.

His journey began several years ago at Whakaata Māori, where he took language classes. Although he appreciated the structure of the classroom, he did not continue after the course ended. Reflecting on this period, McRoberts expressed regret at having “wasted seven years” not pursuing his language education. In 2023, he made a significant commitment by enrolling in a full immersion course at Te Wānanga Takiura, balancing this with his role as a news presenter, albeit with reduced hours.

McRoberts describes the experience of learning a language as challenging, particularly for Māori who approach Te Reo Māori as a second language. “Why is it so hard? Why am I so useless?” he questioned, grappling with feelings of inadequacy. “I was used to doing things and being successful at them… then all of a sudden, I was at the bottom of my class.” He humorously noted that “rūmaki” translates to “drown,” a fitting description of how he felt during his initial struggles with the language.

Today, McRoberts expresses increased confidence in his ability to participate in Māori ceremonies and conversations. “It’s the conversing in Te Reo Māori that takes time and patience,” he acknowledges. Embracing the journey of language learning, he remarks, “I’m in no rush; I know I’m going to be learning this for the rest of my life.”

Through his experience, McRoberts not only highlights his personal growth but also underscores the importance of language and cultural identity in connecting with one’s heritage. His story serves as both an inspiration and a reminder of the ongoing journey many individuals face in reclaiming their cultural roots.