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Te Wiki o te Reo Māori

Every year, Wellington City Council celebrates Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, an event that aligns with the Council’s goal of Pōneke becoming a biliingual city by 2040.

In 2022, thousands of New Zealanders gathered to mark 50 years since Te Pētihana (the Māori Language Petition) was presented on the steps of parliament.

Now in 2025, the nation will be celebrating again, this time for the 50th anniversary of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week).

Every year Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori encourages whānau, organisations and communities across Aotearoa to embrace te reo and give it a go. Te reo Māori is an official language of Aotearoa and is a taonga which deserves protection and promotion.

Te wiki o te reo Māori aligns with Wellington City Council’s goal of becoming a bilingual city by 2040.

Our 2025 celebrations 

This year Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori takes place from 14 September until 20 September.   

Born of activism, the week grew from a single ‘Māori Language Day’ set up in 1972. The seeds of a full week dedicated to te reo Māori were planted in 1974. By 1975, Te Wiki had found its footing and was off! Its growth and gains are what we celebrate, 50 years on. 

Fittingly, last year’s theme of ‘Ake ake ake – a forever language’ continues. Ake ake ake means ‘forever and ever’ or ‘everlasting’ and represents the endurance of te reo Māori and the ability of its speakers to adapt to their conditions.     

One of the week’s highlights will be a parade marking the 50th anniversary of Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori on Monday 15 September.

Participants will meet along Lady Elizabeth Lane (on the Wellington Waterfront) from 9.30am, ready for a 10am departure towards Waitangi Park where further celebrations will be held.  

Keep an eye on the parade event page on Facebook for further information. 

Highlights from previous year

See the photos below for an overview of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori events in 2024.

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