It’s an official language of New Zealand, but how much do you know about the Māori language? An annual celebration for all Kiwis to show their support, Te Wiki o te Reo Māori or Māori Language Week is on from September 14 to 21.
This year’s theme, “Ake ake ake – A Forever Language”, represents resilience, adaptability and endurance, and the commitment to embracing and learning the language into the future.
Take the opportunity to learn or brush up on your skills and get involved.
Fun ways to get involved
Watch and listen
- Have a Disney reo Māori movie session
- Play the Te Wiki o te Reo Māori playlist on Spotify
- Tune into podcasts like Everyday Māori by Everyday Māori by Hēmi Kelly and Āpera Woodfine
- Watch Whakaata Māori (Māori Television)
- Listen to the latest Waiata Anthems on streaming platforms
Speak
- Make “kia ora” your first choice of greeting to everyone you speak to
- Learn your mihi – a way to introduce yourself, which proclaims who you are and where you come from. Learn yours at reomaori.co.nz/learn-your-mihi
- Call a friend and have a kōrero (conversation) in te reo Māori
Learn
- Organise a lunchtime te reo Māori lesson
- Practice your pronunciation and learn the Māori alphabet at purarangi.twoa.ac.nz
- Set out to learn a word a day for a year. See nzhistory.govt.nz/culture/maori-language-week/365-maori-words
Play and read
- Play Wordle in te reo Māori
- Work through Māori Made Fun: 200+ Puzzles and Games to Boost Your Reo by Scotty and Stacey Morrison (Penguin, rrp $28)
- Read Atua Wāhine: The Ancient Wisdom of Māori Goddesses (Harper Collins, rrp $36.99), which illustrates how the energy and wisdom of 17 Māori goddesses can help us navigate modern life, inspire creativity and guide us through cycles of change
- Read books in te reo Māori to your children or grandchildren. Tereomaoribookshop.com has lots of reads for all ages.
There are lots of ways you can support and participate in Te Wiki o te Reo Māori. For more information, fun activities and resources, see reomaori.co.nz
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