An Eastern Bay School Principal hopes Maori Language Week encourages more people to embrace the bi-cultural nature of our region.

Trident High's Peter Tootell says their students and staff actively embrace Maori, not only through their language studies but throughout the school.

Mr Tootell says it's a recognition of the role of the culture in our community.

He says it's important we acknowledge that 50% of people in this area are Maori.

He says our schools are effectively bi-cultural.

Mr Tootell adds many students have Maori as a first language, and that's what's spoken at home.

He values that they bring that culture with them to school.