Innovative Fun: Discover the Young Creator of an Exciting New Board Game
Meet the Young Visionary Behind a Revolutionary Board Game
Rosie Remmerswaal is transforming language learning into a delightful experience for families and friends alike. Born and raised in New Zealand with a mix of Dutch, Irish, and Swedish heritage, Rosie dedicated two years of her life to mastering te reo Māori, often facing questions about her motives.
Embracing the Māori Language
At 27, Rosie shares, “Some thought I was appropriating Māori culture, assuming I lacked a secure sense of my own identity.” She acknowledges the concerns about non-Māori engagement with te reo Māori, recognizing the language’s sacredness and the protective feelings surrounding it.
Rosie is part of a growing community of non-Māori te reo speakers, driven by genuine intentions and a deep love for the language. This passion has led her to contribute to the culture in various ways, from teaching Māori at a secondary school to creating the board game Kaupapa with her former flatmate Kuruho Wereta.
The Birth of Kaupapa
Rosie and Kuruho developed Kaupapa to enhance their own te reo studies. The game’s positive reception among friends encouraged them to share it with a wider audience. The pair sought a fun method to aid their language learning, and Kaupapa was the result. Its initial success among whānau and friends led to its commercial production.
With over 2000 games sold and another 3000 in production, Kaupapa is in high demand and available in retail stores like Whitcoulls and Iko Iko. Rosie hopes the game will inspire more people, both Māori and non-Māori, to learn the language.
A Journey of Language and Culture
For Rosie, fluency in both English and te reo has deepened her connection to New Zealand. Her introduction to Māori culture began in primary school in Hawke’s Bay, where she enjoyed learning waiata and other aspects of the culture. Her passion for te reo grew when she moved to Wellington to attend Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School.
In 2018, Rosie enrolled in te reo Māori classes in Auckland, transitioning from part-time to full-time studies. Despite her background in costume and set design, she declined job offers from Disney and Peter Jackson to focus on her language learning.
The Kaupapa Experience
Kaupapa is an inclusive game, catering to players of all skill levels, from beginners to fluent speakers. The game involves describing words on cards to teammates, with a twist: a coin toss determines whether the trickster Māui will aid or hinder players’ progress. This element of chance adds excitement to the learning-focused game.
The game’s design reflects Rosie and Kuruho’s attention to detail and passion for the subject matter. The board is beautifully crafted, designed to be a permanent fixture on any table.
Looking Ahead
Rosie’s journey with te reo Māori and the creation of Kaupapa highlights the power of language learning through fun and engaging methods. As Kaupapa continues to gain popularity, it serves as a testament to the joy of learning and the importance of cultural appreciation.
