English kiwis learn about roots

[MotherBear]

English Kiwis take a bow
5:00AM Saturday October 13, 2007
By James Ihaka


The London kohanga reo children perform in Surrey for the BBC. Photo / Scott Boswell.

They're on the other side of the world, speak with English accents and many have probably never been "home" before.

But every Saturday morning a growing group of Maori and Pakeha children, many of whom were born in Britain, meet in London to learn more about their roots through waiata, haka and poi.

And now the tamariki of Te Kohanga Reo o Ranana (London) are to be showcased in an episode on the BBC 2 television series Take a Bow.

The show features diverse primary school-aged children from across Britain performing in front of landmarks from their areas.

More here .