I am not a language doyenne, but it is appropriate to use the first language, the original language, the lead language of this land, of Aotearoa, New Zealand. When I was growing up, I learned Māori at home, at primary school, at secondary school, and at Victoria University, and today I am learning still. It is my wish that all children in New Zealand have access to this precious gift, whereby it will be retained, and established in daily conversation as a sign of our New Zealandness. I am committed to using Māori whenever it is appropriate to do so, notwithstanding my errors, to express my aspirations for the future.]