In the mid 1960s, when I was attending Tauranga Girls' College, a Mr Matthews came and gave a talk to the morning assembly and it left a lasting impression on me, because even after all these years, I still remember him talking about language.

He said language was a living, breathing entity. As with all things in life, it is constantly changing and growing. It moves along life's path, adapting as it goes.

Being Maori language week, I thought it was pertinent to bring this to attention of all those people who speak te reo, or at least make an attempt to speak te reo.

While on the subject of the Maori language, it is a spoken language, not a written one and as such, it should be taught.

Ms Rona Smith, Tauranga.