Sign In / Register
Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, Māori Language Week, runs from September 14 to 20 and this year marks its 50th anniversary. The theme this year is “Ake ake ake – A forever language,” which challenges New Zealanders to pick up new Māori words and phrases.
There are 50 challenges on the Reo Māori website for people to take part in over the week. Whether it is a simple Mōrena(good morning) each day, Kei te pēhea koe (how are you) to friends and whānau, or even sharing aroha (love), everyone is encouraged to take part where they can.
Māori Language Day was introduced in 1972 and became a full week by 1975, following a petition. The purpose is to encourage the continuous learning of te reo Māori and keep the language alive. An annual celebration allows us to embrace the nation’s culture and identity.
The Māori Language Commission has set a goal of reaching one million Māori speakers by 2040, with events across Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland showcasing its growing momentum.
Te Herenga Waka o Ōrewa Marae is planning a series of evening events throughout Te Wiki o te Reo Māori. The programme, The Pepeha of Te Herenga Waka o Ōrewa Marae, will be delivered in four different languages.
Monday, September 15, 6 to 8pm – Pepeha in Catalan • Tuesday, September 16, 6 to 8pm – Pepeha in Japanese • Wednesday, September 17, 6 to 8pm – Pepeha in French • Thursday, September 18, 6 to 8pm – Pepeha in Italian
The delivery methodology will be Te Ataarangi (Cuisenaire Rods).
Friday, September 19, 6 to 8pm – He Pō Kēmu (Māori Games Night – a full immersion te reo Māori event)
Registrations for these free events will be posted on the marae’s Facebook page. Numbers are limited.
The week’s events are sponsored by Te Ataarangi ki Tāmaki Makaurau and Te Herenga Waka o Ōrewa.
To take part in the challenges, or to access a range of learning resources, sign up at www.reomaori.co.nz or www.tetaurawhiri.govt.nz
