This message is on behalf of Sheffield New Zealand for the Pūtahi Mahara (the Time Capsule), an initiative for Te Wiki o te Reo Māori. The idea is simple yet powerful: to leave a message that will be opened in 2075, the 100th anniversary of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, which shares our aspirations for te reo Māori and the role we play in its revitalisation.
At Sheffield, we are reflecting on this moment with gratitude for the partnerships we have built with Māori organisations. These relationships have been instrumental in shaping our understanding and supporting our journey toward a shared vision: a truly bilingual Aotearoa.
We know this is a long and challenging path, but we are committed to being part of the solution. Our progress so far includes opening meetings with karakia, grounding our work in tikanga and respect; integrating te reo Māori into our documents to normalise its presence in our professional spaces; and developing our pepeha, enabling us to share who we are and where we come from, fostering deeper connections and cultural understanding.
At Sheffield, one of the most significant milestones in our learning was through workshops led by Raniera Albert, Anton Matthews and Mary Dimond. These sessions challenged our existing paradigms and reshaped how we engage with clients and communities. It reminded us that embracing te reo Māori is not just about language, it’s about values, relationships, and identity.
Our Vision for 2075
When this message is opened in 50 years, we hope to see an Aotearoa where te reo Māori is not just thriving but is the norm. For te reo to be spoken confidently in workplaces, schools, homes, and communities.
At Sheffield, we envision a future where every team member introduces themselves in te reo Māori as naturally as in English, where our client engagements begin and end with tikanga Māori practices, and where our documents, strategies, and communications are appropriately bilingual, reflecting the cultural richness of Aotearoa. We believe this future is possible because of the steps we take today.
Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa.
