From suppression to reclaimed identity: Nathan Grey’s journey back to te reo Māori

On 19 September 2026, RNZ’s Te Manu Korihi shared the story of Nathan Grey, a kaiako and musician who has transformed his relationship with his identity by reclaiming te reo Māori. Mr Grey, who identifies with Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, and Ngāti Raukawa, grew up in a generation where the language had been suppressed. He recalled being taught that success was synonymous with moving away from his Māoritanga, a mindset that led him to try to assimilate fully into Pākehā culture during his high school years. The turning point for Mr Grey came after his older brother completed a full-immersion course at Te Wānanga Takiura. Inspired, Mr Grey enrolled at the same wānanga to reconnect with his roots. He told RNZ that while the process was challenging and brought up long-suppressed feelings of mamae, or pain, the supportive environment at Takiura helped him realise that not knowing the language was not a personal fault. He credited the immersion experience with helping him overcome feelings of shame and embarrassment. Now a teacher at Selwyn Community Education, Mr Grey is sharing the language with a diverse range of ākonga, including fifth-generation Pākehā and international learners from countries like Argentina. He noted that his students often seek to learn the language out of a desire to respect and understand the country they live in. Mr Grey expressed that te reo Māori has opened new doors for him in social work and music, enhancing his sense of self. Looking forward, Mr Grey said he believes that the more people who speak te reo, the better the country will be, fostering a deeper understanding of Māori culture. He encourages his students to move past their whakamā, or shyness, emphasizing that they have the ability to succeed and that support is always available for their journey.