Since releasing their fifth album, Ko Au Te Awa, Ko Te Awa Ko Au, and the first season of this podcast, Jen Cloher not only found their way home, they packed up their life and moved there. They’ve enrolled in a year long Te Reo Māori rumaki (immersive) language course at Te Wānanga o Raukawa in Ōtaki, Aotearoa, NZ.

“Rumaki means to immerse or drown”, Jen explains, “and for a beginner like me, drowning in the Māori language definitely sums up the experience.”

In this episode, Jen speaks with Anahera Neho-Cooper from Te Reo Maioha – a Māori language class based in Melbourne that utilises the well-loved Te Ataarangi method of learning. Jen also stops by Tauranga Moana to get some survival tips from their friend Ani Bennett, who has just completed a year long immersion.

For more on this podcast and for the best transcripts head to https://everybodystryingpodcast.com/

Find out more about Jen Cloher:https://www.jencloher.com/jen

Show notes:

‘Being Human’ performed by Te Hononga o Ngā Iwi and Jen Cloher band at the Northcote Town Hall 2023. Recorded by Dave Manton for Double J.

‘Toku Reo Toku Ohooho’ performed by Waiata Takatāpui written by Te Tāwhiro Maxwell & Okeroa Huriwaka.

‘Whakatupuranga Rua Mano’ performed by students at Te Wananga o Raukawa written by Tipi Wehipeihana.

Taonga puoro composed and performed by Pānia Elmsly.

With thanks to Te Wānanga o Raukawa, Te Reo Maioha and Waiata Takatāpui.

Credits:

Executive Producer/Host: Jen Cloher

Producer/Engineer: Jon Tjhia

Story Editor: Beź Zewdie

Cover Artwork: Huriana Kopeke-Te Aho

Layout and Design: Sebastian White

Web Design: Aron Lebani

Animation: Charlie Budd

With thanks to: Three Triple R 102.7FM and Creative Australia.