Alongside New Zealand Sign Language, te reo Māori is an official language of Aotearoa. Te Wiki o te Reo Māori encourages whānau, organisations and communities throughout Aotearoa to embrace te reo and give it a go.
Te Kaunihera o Pōneke (Wellington) has been a longtime supporter of this celebration, reflected in its Tūpiki Ora strategy, and driving its commitment to be a bilingual city by 2040.
Wellington City Council’s Tātai Heke Māori – Chief Māori Officer Karepa Wall is heartened by how te reo and tikanga Māori are becoming part of everyday life around the motu.
"Te Wiki o te Reo Māori is much more than a commemoration – it’s part of a living journey.
“Every event, every word spoken, every business embracing te reo, every child learning it, every sign in two languages, is a step towards a bilingual Pōneke by 2040.
“Te Tauihu, our Māori language policy, commits us to lasting change. By 2040, Wellington will stand as a leading example: a city where te reo Māori is normalised and cherished for all.”
Te Wiki o te Reo Māori has been celebrated in New Zealand since 1975, and te reo Māori has been an official language of New Zealand since 1987.
Te Wiki o te Reo Māori runs from 14–20 September, continuing last year's theme Ake ake ake Mō Ake Tōnu – a forever language.
“We encourage all Wellingtonians – fluent speakers, learners, or those just starting their journey – to take part, give te reo Māori a go, and help shape the future of Pōneke,” adds Karepa.
Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (Māori Language Commission) are bringing back the Parade to mark this special 50th anniversary on Monday 15 September, alongside many other wonderful events happening throughout Pōneke.
Visit wellington.govt.nz/maorilanguageweek to discover what's happening in your community and join the celebration.