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Te Wiki o te Reo Māori

Te Wiki o te Reo Māori – Māori Language Week

Join us in celebrating the 50th anniversary of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (14-20 September 2025).  Māori Language Week honours the presentation of the Māori Language Petition to parliament on the 14th of September 1972. It has been recognised annually since 1975.

Māhuru (September) is a wonderful time of the year when we celebrate and honour te Reo Māori (the Māori language).  Te Reo Māori is a unique taonga to be treasured by all New Zealanders.

“Ko tōku reo tōku ohooho, ko tōku reo tōku mapihi mauria”
My language is my precious gift, my object of affection and my prized ornament.
– Tā Timoti Kāretu

Te Wiki o te Reo Maori 2025

Join us in celebrating the 50th anniversary of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori 14-20 September!

You can participate by adding karakia before kai, singing waiata, learning your pepeha or using everyday kupu Māori (common Māori words).  However you choose to celebrate, enjoy embracing Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori.

Goals of Te Wiki o te Reo Maori

  • Create a positive environment for the use of Māori language.
  • Promote Māori language initiatives and events.

Wero reo Māori

This year we challenge you and your whānau to try these wero (challenges) in your whare and in your centres.

Wero 1.  Kōrero Māori – practice your reo with these handy resources:

Wero 2.  Waiata Mai – sing your favourite waiata together:

Wero 3.  Read books in te reo Māori

Wero 4.  Kēmu Māori – play!

Wero 5.  Kākahu – wear the kapahaka Māori dressup and learn about its relevance and importance.

Te Ao Māori resources

Here you can find a growing collection of resources to support your journey with Te Ao Māori. This page is designed to help you bring the language and values into your Playcentre and your home life.

Visit Page

Supporting te Reo in your centre all year round

Mā tātou katoa te reo Māori e whakarauora – Everyone can contribute to te reo Māori revitalisation:

  • Whakatauhia te reo Māori ki te wāhi mahi me te hapori – Make te reo welcome at work and in the community
  • Whakahau i ētahi atu ki te kōrero, ki te ako hoki i te reo Māori; whakaurua mai hoki te reo Māori ki tōu ao – Encourage others to use and learn te reo Māori; welcome Māori language into your life
  • Kia tika tonu te whakahua i te kupu Māori i ngā wā e kōrero Pākehā ana – Pronounce Māori words correctly when speaking English
  • Ahakoa iti, akona, kōrerohia – Learn a little, use a little
  • Kia nui ake te ako ka kōrero ai – Learn more, and use what you know
  • Whāia te ara poutama o te reo ka tohatoha ai – Keep improving your language, and share what you know