Māori Language Week is an annual celebration held in the third week of September. This year it takes place from September 12 to 19. The initiative, also called ‘Te Wiki o te Reo Māori,’ is government-sponsored and it aims to inspire New Zealanders to speak the Māori language proudly.
Māori Language Week is part of a larger effort to revitalize the Māori language. New Zealanders — and indeed, the global community — are encouraged to learn the language and experience the rich culture of the region. Events are held across the country to mark this observance and showcase the beauty of New Zealand.
The Māori are the indigenous Polynesian people of mainland New Zealand (Aotearoa). Māori originated with settlers from East Polynesia, who arrived in New Zealand in several waves of canoe voyages between roughly 1320 and 1350.
How can you observe Māori Language Week.
Learn some new words
Aotearoa New Zealand
Mahi work or activity
Pākehā New Zealander of non-Māori decent, usually European
te reo Māori the Māori Language
whānau extended family
whenua land, homeland
Watch Māori produced television shows for education and pronunciation
Piri Tiki Tour Former All Black Piri Weepu travels New Zealand in search of the best hunting and fishing spots and learning plenty of tips and tricks from “hearty local characters” along the way.
Waka Huia Hear about unique iwi histories, explore the political, social and cultural concerns of the moment from Māori and Aotearoa
Haka at home Showcases the best kapa haka from around Aotearoa