News And Events

Maori Language Week 2020

Māori Language week has been celebrated each year from 1975.

Māori Language Day is September 14 and commemorates the presentation of the 1972 Māori language petition to parliament. Mahuru Māori is an initiative begun in 2017 to promote the use of te reo Māori throughout the month of September.

Māori language week is an opportunity for concentrated celebration, promotion and encouragement. And every minute of every hour of every day is a Māori language minute – we can choose to use te reo – every time we do, even just a ‘Kia ora!’ contributes to revitalisation.

What can I do?

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; whakauruamai 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

The chosen theme for 2020 is again 'Kia Kaha te Reo Māori’.

‘Kia Kaha’ is well understood in New Zealand English with its meaning of ‘be strong’. We often talk about languages as if they are people – talking about language health, strength and revitalisation. So when we say ‘Kia Kaha te Reo Māori’ we’re saying  - ‘Let’s make the Māori language strong'.

Information taken from www.tewikiotereomaori.co.nz/