Celebrating 50 Years with Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori

Acknowledging Te Wiki o te Reo Māori

On Rātapu (Sunday), the 50th anniversary of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week) begins. This movement traces back to the Māori Language Petition to Parliament in 1972. By 1975, what started as a single Māori Language Day grew into a full week dedicated to celebrating and strengthening te reo Māori.

This year’s Te Wiki o te Reo Māori also marks the final week of Mahuru Māori (Māori Language Month). Across Aotearoa, people have been encouraged to take up the wero (challenge) of hearing, experiencing, and speaking as much te reo Māori as they can.

Ōtorohanga District Council recognises Māori as key partners in building community resilience, reducing risk, and shaping services that reflect our district’s identity. Celebrating te reo Māori as a taonga (cultural treasure) helps us strengthen our knowledge and use of the language, and better connect with Māori in our communities.

Wherever you are on your reo journey, we encourage you to accept the wero and take that next step – whether it’s setting a personal te reo goal on the Mahuru Māori website, or joining one of our local celebrations.

How are we celebrating?

Ōtorohanga District Council will be marking 50 years of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori with a week of activities including:

• Daily lunchtime webinars

• Kawhe (coffee) order in te reo Māori at Ō Cafe

• A Māori Engagement Workshop

• Kaitahi / shared lunch

• A raranga (weaving) workshop

For more details and resources about how you can celebrate and take up the wero (challange), visit the ReoMāori.co.nz

Toi te kupu, toi te mana, toi te aroha – Hold fast to our language, to our mana, and to our love.