Mike Butler: Her Honour and te reo

An initiative in which court sessions will open and close with a few words in Maori has sparked admiration and contempt. From Monday, the start of Maori Language Week, court registrars and attendants will open, adjourn and close sittings at the district, family and youth courts in both languages.

The phrases to be used are for the opening: “Turituri mo Tona Honore, te Kaiwhakawa, Taki tu - Silence for His/Her Honour the Judge. All stand. Kua tuwhera te Kooti a-Rohe - The District Court is now open.” For an adjournment or conclusion of a session: “Turituri. Taki tu. Kua hiki te Kooti - Silence. All stand. The court is adjourned. Kua haere ano te Kooti - The court is resumed.”