Inspiring Stories Blog

Writer and academic Dr Hona Black on te reo Māori, slang, and the future of the language

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 17, 2024 10:44 AM

Dr Hona Black grew up speaking only te reo Māori and he completed his PhD in te reo. His speciality is the evolution of the Māori language.

Saved from extinction? New modelling suggests a hopeful future for te reo Māori

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 17, 2024 10:42 AM

For over 50 years, revitalisation efforts have played a significant role in supporting the language’s resurgence.

He tīmatanga hou mō Hato Tīpene

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 17, 2024 10:17 AM

Rua tekau mā whā tau kua pahure mai i te katinga o ngā kēti o Hato Tīpene. Heoti, i tēnei rā tonu pōhiritia te tini me te mano o ngā tauira-o-mua, me ngā kaimahi hou ki te kura, me te mea hoki i huaki ngā tatau o ngā rūma ako o te kura, katahi anō kua whakahouhia.

Tāngia te whānau Wright i te moko mataora

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 17, 2024 9:48 AM

Koinei te tīmatanga o tētahi huarahi hōu mō to mātou kairīpoata a Kereama Wright, tōna pāpā a Rawiri me tōna teina a Manawa, i te tāhanga o ō rātou kanohi ki te mataora ki to rātou kāinga o Ruamata Marae.

What goes on inside a te reo-only stand-up comedy show

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 17, 2024 9:37 AM

Bringing te reo outside the classroom is the goal of the reo Māori stand-up comedy show Tainapu.

Shrek is going to get a te reo Māori makeover

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 17, 2024 9:19 AM

It is the first time a DreamWorks animation is being adapted into the language. The re-imagined version will be released in 2025.

A Sikh scripture was recently translated into te reo, should more follow?

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 17, 2024 9:07 AM

For Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, Re: News asked different religious groups about the efforts they’re making to connect with Māori and translating their scriptures into te reo.

Embracing te ao Māori: Breaking down bias and building unity in Aotearoa

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 17, 2024 9:00 AM

Learning te reo Māori with my whānau has allowed us to have a look into the Māori world, te ao Māori. We have learned a lot more than just the language.

A ‘forever language’ – te Wiki o te Reo Māori marks 52 years of extraordinary progress

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 16, 2024 1:57 PM

Despite today’s tensions over Treaty principles and Māori political representation, the language revitalisation movement has delivered the culturally confident generation its trailblazers dreamed of.

If Te Reo Māori were a person, what would you say?

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 16, 2024 10:59 AM

We went behind the scenes at the Toitū Te Reo Festival to ask a heartfelt pātai, if Te Reo Māori were a person, what would you say to them?

Bringing te reo Māori into the home

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 16, 2024 10:32 AM

Kahurangi shares the highs and lows of raising their sons in te reo on her social media, amassing a TikTok following of 50k+ followers.

Sir Timoti Karetu - An interview with one of the Godfathers of the Māori language Movement

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 16, 2024 10:25 AM

For many students of te reo, Sir Tīmoti Karetū is the Godfather of the Māori Language movement. He may be 84 but he’s still on a roll - and not slow with an eye-roll either.

The Warehouse ‘amazed’ by reaction to te wiki o te Reo Māori merch

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 16, 2024 9:47 AM

It’s part of an effort from the Warehouse group to add more reo Māori to New Zealanders’ lives, including on products and in-store signage.

Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga Festival 2025 to launch on Friday

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 16, 2024 9:39 AM

Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga Festival 2025 will launch officially this Friday in New Plymouth, beginning the countdown to one of the largest cultural events in te ao Māori.

Hāngī Master and Hell join forces to create new hāngī pizza

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 16, 2024 9:17 AM

Hell Pizza and Rewi Spraggon have unveiled a new peeta hāngī, or hāngī pizza, as Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori kicks off this week.

Te Hāmua Nikora on te reo Māori, sharing knowledge and his inimitable rap name

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 15, 2024 11:46 PM

Nikora does exactly that each week for Sunday magazine in our column Toitū te Kupu – taking a word and breaking it down for readers to learn te reo Māori but also gain a greater understanding of the concepts and history behind the kupu.

Stacey Morrison: 'Please don't be embarrassed about using te reo Māori around me'

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 15, 2024 9:35 AM

"Everyone who is looking to embrace te reo Māori is so valued and is instantly a champion of te reo Māori. So please don't be embarrassed and just recognise that this is what we need to do."

Rotorua’s Te Waimarie Ngatai-Callaghan makes Disney debut

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 15, 2024 6:36 AM

Te Waimarie Ngatai-Callaghan voices the lead character in Encanto Reo Māori.

Common mistakes in reo Māori

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 15, 2024 4:20 AM

“If you get too caught up on mistakes all the time, you get into analysis paralysis, where you focus so much on not messing up that it stunts your ability to speak.”

Potaka praises ‘champions of te reo’ as Te Wiki o te Reo Māori begins

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 15, 2024 12:36 AM

“Whether you have an ancestral connection to the language or not, te reo Māori connects us all to this place.

Waiata released for Te Wiki o te Reo Māori 2024

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 14, 2024 8:58 PM

The waiata was written in 1984 by the late Te Pikikōtuku 'Piki' Kereama.

It's Māori Language Week! Practice your te reo with these fun tips

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 14, 2024 7:17 AM

Dive into Māori Language Week and master some of the te reo basics with these fun and easy pointers to get you started.

Ko te reo kia rere

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 14, 2024 3:13 AM

The Weekend Mix’s new poetry editor, Jessica Hinerangi T.C., has taken on the role in the middle of Mahuru Māori, the annual celebration of the language.

Whakarongo mai: Five Māori change-makers under 35

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 14, 2024 2:32 AM

They’re taking up the mantle, to continue the work of their kaumātua and leave a more hopeful, joyously Māori future for the next generations.

Māori Language Week: Italian opera translated to te reo Māori

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 13, 2024 11:51 PM

Kawiti Waetford, Te Ohorere Williams and pianist Juan Kim joined Breakfast this morning for a special performance.

Rangatahi Māori launch 'musical assault on the plague of colonisation'

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 13, 2024 11:43 PM

"To speak Māori is political, to be Māori is political, to be indigenous is political. It just is.

Te Huamanuka Luiten-Apirana's Ngā Reta brings reo-Māori theatre to Gisborne

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 13, 2024 2:45 PM

Artist Te Huamanuka Luiten-Apirana brings her solo reo-Māori show Ngā Reta to Gisborne’s Evolution Theatre this month as part of a North Island tour celebrating Mahuru Māori.

Revitalizing traditional Māori games: Māui Hīanga event underway

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 13, 2024 4:12 AM

A national event is being held at Hoani Waititi Marae today called, Māui Hīanga: Te Hui Taonga Tākaro is about the revitalisation of traditional Māori games and activities.

Māori Development Minister encourages govt agencies to be bilingual

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 13, 2024 3:23 AM

“I encourage all agencies to be bilingual.. and be able to communicate in te Reo Māori.”

Council’s use of te reo to air on TV

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 13, 2024 3:16 AM

Efforts to normalise the use of te reo Māori by Central Otago’s mayor and district council is the subject of a story on a Māori current affairs show.

Panguru students exhibit art at Te Papa; an ode to their karani, Ralph Hotere

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 13, 2024 12:50 AM

The Ringatoi exhibition, presented by NZQA is now on at the National Museum Te Papa Tongarewa and features works from students across Aotearoa.

Ngā Manu Kōrero - Nga Taiatea Wharekura legacy continues

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 12, 2024 5:37 AM

Te Kanawa Wilson was crowned the overall winner of the Pei Te Hurinui (senior Māori) category.

Shorty St: Jade Daniels’ new character sparks te reo Māori debate

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 12, 2024 5:19 AM

And when it comes to recognising weeks like Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori on local shows, Daniels – who didn’t grow up knowing te reo and learned it in later years – says, “the more the better”.

Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori 2024

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 12, 2024 2:14 AM

There’s plenty of opportunities to get involved in Te Wiki o te Reo Māori 2024, including events and activities across the Christchurch City Libraries network.

Bound together by te reo

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 12, 2024 12:30 AM

Waihōpai Rūnaka is making sure te reo Maori continues as "a forever language" by celebrating it during Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori (Maori Language Week).

Compulsory te reo classes a simple solution to greater understanding

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 12, 2024 12:00 AM

When the All Blacks perform the haka on their travels throughout the world and our national anthem is sung using two languages, we would all understand the words being used...

Resurgence of moko kauae subject of masters degree

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 11, 2024 2:45 PM

“If you whakapapa Māori and meet certain expectations, such as speaking fluent te reo Māori or contribute to your community in specific ways, it’s your birthright.”

Learning for life – kaupapa Māori training at Red Cross

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 11, 2024 5:56 AM

Growing our understanding and confidence in Te Ao Māori helps us develop the tools we need to navigate our work alongside iwi Māori. It better connects us to the histories, cultural heritage, locations, and language of Aotearoa.

‘Tāne vs wahine’: Couple among finalists in Waha Kōrero contest

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 11, 2024 5:51 AM

“It’s fantastic to see a mix of people in our top 12 – we’ve got a good range of iwi representation, age and gender.”

Mātauranga Māori in modern health

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 11, 2024 5:49 AM

The project called Te unaunahi i whakapiripiri ki te ika nui a Maui, will explore the transformative power of community-led hauora wānanga.

‘The world is yours’: Encanto Reo Māori hits cinemas this week

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 11, 2024 5:35 AM

The fifth installment of Disney’s Māori language films is set for release in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Waiata Anthems Turns Five: Celebrating A Movement in Music & Culture

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 10, 2024 6:02 AM

Waiata Anthems marks its fifth anniversary this September, celebrating a milestone in Aotearoa's cultural renaissance.

Celebrating Te Wiki o te reo Māori in New Plymouth

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 09, 2024 3:20 PM

“Our team has developed a fantastic programme again this year which seeks to offer many opportunities to learn and use te reo in a safe and welcoming space.”

Fourth time lucky for te reo speech finalist

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 09, 2024 12:25 PM

Te reo Māori may be Xanthe Banks’ first language, but using it to address an audience of peers, whānau and judges was still nerve-racking, the Nayland College student said.

The Warehouse to launch Kia Kaha te Reo Maori hoodies, kakahu

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 09, 2024 12:24 PM

“The Warehouse has been a ‘friend of’ te reo Maori for a long time and you see this on their in-store signage and bilingual branding on many of their product lines.”

Rangatahi polish their speeches; ready to shine at Ngā Manu Kōrero Nationals

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 09, 2024 12:06 PM

Students taking part in this year’s Ngā Manu Kōrero Nationals, the 59th year of Te Whakataetae ā-Motu o Ngā Manu Kōrero, offered some wise advice for their fellow students competing.

A celebration of te reo Māori in Ngāmotu

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 09, 2024 4:25 AM

Stanhope said this year’s programme offered a number of opportunities to learn and use te reo, in a safe and welcoming space.

Māori media company head Peter-Lucas Jones named on TIME magazine list for preserving te reo through AI

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 08, 2024 11:56 AM

Te Hiku Media, which is based in Kaitāia, has reached a 92 percent accuracy rate with its speech to text model - the best in the world.

Te Māori exhibition 40 years on

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 07, 2024 8:35 AM

It's 40 years since a revolutionary Te Māori exhibition put te ao Māori on the global stage, displaying Māori taonga in New York.

“Ngā rangatira ō āpōpō” Rangatahi prepare to take reigns in the future

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 06, 2024 12:09 PM

Rangatahi are key drivers in keeping things going here at Tuurangawaewae Marae and it's in Kimiora Wharekai where you'll find Waikato rangatahi carrying out duties as they prepare to take reigns in the future.

Queen Ngā Wai Hono i te Pō ascends the throne in front of thousands

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 05, 2024 4:05 AM

Watch the new ariki, Nga Wai Hono i te Po Paki, ascend the throne to become the new Māori kuini.

Capital celebrates Te Wiki o te Reo Māori with free Māori Language Festival

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 04, 2024 11:34 AM

Wellington City Council welcomes Te Hui Ahurei Reo Māori o Te Whanganui-a-Tara, the Māori Language Festival of Wellington, as part of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori celebrations in the city. 

Manuhiri Huatahi: finding the words

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 02, 2024 11:30 AM

On the path to reclaiming her language, Manuhiri Huatahi says she’s faced many hurdles and triumphs.

Ko Te Wā o te Reo | Time to Tackle te Reo

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 02, 2024 11:26 AM

Pipiwharauroa is a native and fluent speaker of te reo Māori and uses every opportunity to promote and normalise the use of te reo Māori within the Army.

‘Let’s celebrate being Māori’: playwright Hone Kouka

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 01, 2024 8:30 AM

“Be who we are, live our values, speak our reo, care for our mokopuna, our awa, our maunga, just be Māori,” Kiingi Tuheitia said. “Māori all day, every day.”

'I’ve been soaking-in everything': Indigenous youth on learning journey

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 31, 2024 8:16 PM

Aboriginal and First Nation youth are inspired by Māori leaders during a Rotorua exchange.

Building Māori and Pacific versions of Minecraft with AI

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 29, 2024 12:00 PM

Whetu’s Piki Studios developed a groundbreaking te ao Māori version of Microsoft’s global megahit game Minecraft, called Ngā Motu, in 2019.

Correcting common errors in te reo Māori for all levels of speakers

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 29, 2024 11:58 AM

From choosing between awhi and āwhina, to the importance of tohutō (macrons), to whether to address a friend as ‘Hēmi’ or ‘e Hēmi’ — the new book deals with word choice, grammar, interference from English and more.

Te Puke beauty queen's latest overseas odyssey

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 29, 2024 11:37 AM

“I was also speaking to them in te reo, so I got to share my Māori culture, but also Kiwi culture in general.”

Te Maharatanga o Ngā Wai / Remembering our waters

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 29, 2024 7:56 AM

Te Maharatanga o Nga Wai, is the name of a recently completed public space situated on the corner of Sale Street and Wellesley Street.

Watch Mokotron's Animated Video For New Single 'Ōhākī'

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 29, 2024 7:14 AM

...the breaks-driven 'ŌHĀKĪ' ("a deathbed speech") opens with haunting taonga pūoro playing (pūrerehua and kōauau) and cavernous, growling throat singing by the artist entirely in te reo Māori.

City centre turns a new page for Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori and Mahuru Māori

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 29, 2024 2:00 AM

Celebrate Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori and Mahuru Māori in Auckland’s city centre.

Olympian inspiration

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 28, 2024 1:15 PM

Fresh off winning her eighth Olympic gold in Paris, next month 'Lisa Carrington Chases a Champion' will hit shelves. It will also be released as 'Ko Lisa Carrington me te Toa Whakaihuwaka', a version of the story told in te reo.

Te reo Māori in news and current affairs at Te Reo Tātaki TVNZ 

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 26, 2024 4:05 AM

Te reo Māori is an official language of New Zealand and Te Reo Tātaki is a workplace where te reo Māori use is normal.

Dame Hinewehi Mohi and Tāme Iti celebrated in two-part special on Whakaata Māori

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 25, 2024 11:45 PM

Whakanuia celebrates “the life and times of two very different New Zealanders who have both left indelible marks on the cultural fabric of Aotearoa”.

Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori 2024: Te Taura Whiri's dream for nationwide show of love for Māori language

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 25, 2024 9:59 PM

Ahead of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, Aotearoa is being urged to embrace the language 'Ake Ake Ake' (forever).

Ariana Estoras: Mātauranga Māori is the first science of these lands

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 25, 2024 3:59 AM

The naming process allowed important information to be captured and passed on for future generations — it would inform what you can plant or not plant there, and when to plant it or harvest it.

Voices in the Shadows: Musical unites Māori, Pacific and Palestinian cultures

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 24, 2024 11:48 PM

The production weaves the different cultures together through new sounds, lighting and poetry in their reo taketake (Indigenous languages).

KOMMI: On 'WitchHop' & working with Marlon Williams

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 24, 2024 3:15 PM

KOMMI (Kai Tahu, Te-Ati-Awa) is a Lyttelton-based rapper who performs in Kai Tahu dialect - the principal Maori iwi of the South Island.

New reo Māori resource supporting people with eating disorders

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 23, 2024 9:49 AM

It’s been created in the hopes of tackling eating disorders among Māori - a new resource in te reo Māori helping to support those struggling with eating disorders.

Māori agribusiness programme launched

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 22, 2024 8:53 AM

“We now have an avenue to grow our rural professionals, to introduce te reo Māori to the experience. The more we put in, the more we will get back.”

Stellar Line-Up Of New Zealand Artists To Perform At Haka World Record

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 22, 2024 8:15 AM

To make sure everyone participating performs Ka Mate authentically and accurately all participants will have access to a series of training videos to learn how to perform Ka Mate, including the differences for tāne (men) and wāhine (women).

Autaia: 400 tauira to take the theatre stage

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 22, 2024 7:56 AM

Kura Kaupapa student, Korus Korihi Tawha reports for Te Karere, captures the excitement of his schoolmates' talents in Autaia and shining on stage at Dame Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre in a vibrant celebration of Te Ao Māori.

Māoritanga - the secret to success for Aussie Olympic bronze medallist

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 21, 2024 8:50 AM

She is the first Australian woman and wahine Māori to win an Olympic medal in boxing.

Connecting Christianity and Māoritanga: Te Hira Paenga graduates with PhD in theology

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 21, 2024 8:18 AM

Rev. Dr Te Hira Paenga's thesis is the first theology PhD to be written in te reo Māori.

Manu kōrero, kapa haka, waka ama worlds: Elite Reti showing kids at home different paths to follow

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 20, 2024 8:52 AM

Te Taitokerau descendant Elite Reti is competing at the Waka Ama World Sprints Competition where he placed among the top seven paddlers in the world for his age.

Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori calls out unauthorised use of trademark

Posted by Sean Riki · August 19, 2024 3:54 PM · 1 reaction

A warning about fake merchandise from Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori - the Māori Language Commission has been issued in the lead up to Te Wiki o te Reo Māori.

Surfer Kehu Butler returns to his kōhanga reo with gifts

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 19, 2024 8:06 AM

Pro surfer Kehu Butler made a heartfelt visit to his childhood kōhanga reo in Whareroa, presenting them with gifts from his own clothing line.

Mahuru Māori at Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 19, 2024 6:31 AM

Join us for an exciting calendar of workshops, activations exhibitions throughout the month of Mahuru to Celebrate Te Wiki O Te Reo!

Uike Kātoanga’i ‘o e lea faka-Tonga. It's Tongan Language Week

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 18, 2024 12:22 AM

It's Tongan Language Week with this year's theme, 'E tu'uloa 'a e lea faka-Tongá 'o ka lea'aki 'i 'api, siasí (lotú), mo e nofo-'a-kāingá - the Tongan Language will be sustainable when used at home, church and in the wider community.

'Success is the work of many': Dance company show promises to be transformative

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 17, 2024 5:00 AM

Acclaimed choreographers and long-time collaborators, Bianca Hyslop and Eddie Elliott are showcasing their work through Ka Mua Ka Muri which reflects the te ao Māori (the Māori world) perspectives of time being cyclic rather than linear, with the past, present and future influencing one another.

Are we there yet? Is New Zealand ready for bilingual road signs?

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 17, 2024 12:00 AM

A 'tiki tour' testing the community’s appetite for proposed bilingual road signs has revealed strong support for making reo Māori part of our everyday journeys.

Revitalising te reo: How TikTok is empowering a new generation of Māori content creators

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 15, 2024 11:41 PM

Māori content creators are using TikTok to share and celebrate te reo, and hope platforms can be flooded with the language.

We checked out the world’s first Te Reo Māori Festival

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 15, 2024 9:32 AM

Our correspondent Souljah Niania (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Pikiao) takes us behind the scenes to reveal what a world-first te reo Māori festival looks like and why we’ll be eagerly counting down to next year.

Aotearoa Olympians receive warm welcome from whānau, friends

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 15, 2024 9:13 AM

The talented athletes have made the nation proud, by setting the best Olympic record for Aotearoa with 20 medals, 10 of them gold.

Because I’m Māori

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 15, 2024 4:10 AM

Nicolla Hemi-Morehouse says sharing te reo songs with her children was the beginning of her musical journey.

Deloitte - Māori language and culture set Auckland apart from other world cities

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 14, 2024 11:10 PM

The second part to a three part report has been released by Deloitte's, recommending that Auckland implement more Māori culture and heritage against other cities around the world.

Māori and Pasifika Olympians return home, inspiring the next generation

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 14, 2024 8:22 AM

“Having the likes of Oriini (Kaipara) and Dave (Jones), it was really special just carrying that culture. You can feel it when you’re there.”

Dr Jeremy Tātere MacLeod: Why we needed Toitū Te Reo right now

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 13, 2024 11:07 PM

Last week’s Toitū Te Reo, hosted in Heretaunga, was a celebration of te reo and Māori culture of a sort never seen anywhere in the world before, writes Dr Jeremy Tātere MacLeod.

Ka tauākītia te kaupapa o Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori 2024

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 13, 2024 9:56 AM

Ko Ake Ake Ake – Mō Ake Tonu Te Reo te kaupapa o te Te Wiki o te Reo Māori 2024.

Tūtahi Tonu wharenui reopens, marking new era for Māori education

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 13, 2024 9:26 AM

After 40 years at Epsom campus, the wharenui has undergone a stunning transformation blending tradition with modernity.

Cook Islands Language Week: South Auckland local boards help sustain traditional arts and culture

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 11, 2024 12:55 AM

“Language is a central part of our identities as people of the Pacific diaspora. Of course, some are more fluent than others but we are all on a journey."

Reo Māori learning journeys discussed at Toitū te Reo fest

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 09, 2024 11:06 AM

Thousands have gathered for the second day of the world's first Te Reo Māori festival, Toitū Te Reo. The festival aims to celebrate fluent speakers whilst embracing new learners.

Tangata Tiriti celebrate te ao Māori with waiata at reo Māori festival

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 09, 2024 10:49 AM

Tangata Tiriti were loud and proud to be with Māori at the Toitū Te Reo festival, the first-ever Māori language symposium, with an amazing rendition of Mauria Mai Te Aroha.

Ngāti Kahungunu celebrates promoting Māori language to thousands

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 09, 2024 10:47 AM

Aotearoa's first-ever festival dedicated to celebrating te mana o te reo Māori in Heretaunga/Hastings has seen massive success, drawing over 7000 supporters.

‘Bilingual brains are best’: Students celebrate cultural diversity

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 07, 2024 8:34 AM

“We really reassure our whanau that bilingual brains are best. What they do, all that processing in their brains working in two or more languages is really effective for them.

NZ Olympian Eliza McCartney wows with impressive Te Reo welcome to fellow Kiwi athletes

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 06, 2024 8:36 AM

The NZ Athletics team came ready to compete at the Olympic games last night. Pole vaulter Eliza McCartney shared her thanks for the warm welcome in te reo Māori'.

Encanto: Disney announces reo Māori cast

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 05, 2024 10:35 PM

Encanto Reo Māori is a collaboration between Colombian and Māori culture which both celebrate community, intergenerational knowledge and respect for elders.

Waka ama programme 'a space for the long-haul'

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 04, 2024 12:00 PM

Brad Huntly and Simon Howard have created Te Hapai Hoe, a non-competitive, not-for-profit waka ama programme. The programme includes three wānanga that focus on tikanga, te reo Māori, karakia, and whakapapa, taught in a full immersion te reo environment.

Whāngārā Mai Tawhiti stuns the world with haka at Olympics and Eiffel Tower

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 04, 2024 3:54 AM

In an awe-inspiring display of Māori culture, the haka group Whāngārā Mai Tawhiti captured global attention with their powerful performances at two of the world’s most iconic venues in Paris: the Olympics and the Eiffel Tower.

Māori duo advocates for indigenous data sovereignty in prestigious science journal

Posted by Hera Eparaima · August 03, 2024 9:56 AM

A Māori research duo was commissioned to write a commentary on Indigenous data sovereignty for a prestigious scientific journal.

Rōpū haka Whāngāra Mai Tāwhiti accompany athletes at Olympics

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 31, 2024 11:30 AM

Whāngārā Mai Tawhiti are in Paris, as the haka team accompany the country’s 195 atheletes at the Olympics. On a fine hot summer's day abroad, you'll find members teaching non-Māori how to haka and how to poi.

GOLDEN MOMENT | New Zealand Sevens Gold | Women's Rugby Sevens | Paris Olympics 2024

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 31, 2024 7:34 AM

See the Black Ferns Sevens' haka as they celebrate winning New Zealand's first Gold Medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The Journey: Te Reo Taiao

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 29, 2024 12:42 PM

Te Reo Taiao is a kaupapa led by Te Ingo Ngaia which is nurturing and growing te reo Māori and tikanga within our kaimahi who work on Taranaki Maunga and the broader community that support this work.

‘Meaningful’ experience at Kura Reo

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 29, 2024 12:00 PM

Kura Reo are designed to challenge you, push your limits and demolish any concept of the comfort zone. But it’s done in a manageable way for you, and with so much aroha.

Māniatoto residents weave culture and community

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 27, 2024 3:30 AM

This week marked the start of the latest harakeke weaving and te reo courses, led by tutor Marcanui at Māniatoto Arts Centre in Ranfurly.

Māori theatre company at centre of new documentary

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 26, 2024 6:01 PM

A theatre production company that gave birth to leading actors within te ao Māori has now been captured in a new documentary. Taki Rua Theatre: Breaking Barriers follows the Māori theatre company’s humble beginnings 30 years ago.

Te ao Māori in full force at Paris Olympics 2024

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 26, 2024 5:31 PM

Aotearoa’s female flag bearer at the Paris Olympics Jo Aleh says to expect more haka from athletes, Māori and non-Māori in all codes. Adorned in the korowai cloak – Mahutonga, she intends to embrace te ao Māori throughout the event.

Te Ai o Te Rā: New reo Māori album released

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 25, 2024 6:31 PM

A new reo Māori album is out for us to listen to, showcasing an infusion of timeless classics, as well as more contemporary music from Te Tairāwhiti.

Māori experts bring home comfort to NZ Olympic Teams in Paris

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 25, 2024 4:31 PM

A small team of Māori experts are the go-to gurus for the Olympic teams, leading the whakatau and gifting taonga to the team so they a have piece of home with them while in Paris.

Ka Whawhai Tonu #1 film in Aotearoa for 2024

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 25, 2024 11:07 AM

Ka Whawhai Tonu is the highest-grossing Aotearoa film this year after four weeks in cinema.

Haka theatre show ‘Autaia’ is back

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 25, 2024 11:04 AM

Kura from around the motu gather to perform an original piece of haka theatre.

Taura Whiri CEO Ngahiwi Apanui discusses Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori 2024

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 24, 2024 6:01 PM

This year, Te Taura Whiri i Te Reo Māori is bringing a new kaupapa to Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori called Waha Kōrero.

Mere Boynton: Bringing Te Ao Māori centre stage

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 24, 2024 2:47 PM

Mere Boynton is one of the artists featured in a new series from SOUNZ: Inspiring Journeys Through Music. The series looks at what it takes to be a Māori musician in 2024.

Nau Mai Town - Season Three

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 24, 2024 1:21 PM

Nau Mai Town is back with another haerenga around Aotearoa to find out more about Māori place names.

'Open to the world': Sellout crowds expected at world-first te reo festival in Hastings

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 24, 2024 12:00 PM

The first-of-its-kind festival is set to champion Māori language and industry.

Oriini Kaipara takes 1200 poi all the way to the Paris Olympics

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 24, 2024 10:58 AM

Award-winning former journalist and news presenter, Oriini Kaipara (Tūhoe, Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Rangitihi), is in Paris with the New Zealand Olympic team in her new role as pouwhiringa assisting the NZOC in their Ao Māori journey.

Te reo advocate leads move to reclaim world haka record

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 23, 2024 10:49 AM

The world haka attempt aims to draw 10,000 people to Eden Park on September 29, with registrations to take part opening on Tuesday. “This is going to be something that really unites us and stands us together in pride for our cultural heritage and cultural identity,” Mohi said.

Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Kahungunu hosts CrossFit fundraiser

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 22, 2024 7:01 PM

Haka Oranga is the focus of a functional fitness competition, Kahumaiwhiti, which is about encouraging kaihaka and their whānau to improve their health and wellness ahead of Te Matatini.

Whakataukī of the Week with Elle Archer

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 22, 2024 5:51 PM

'Taku ahi tūtata, taku mata kikoha' - A metaphor for when a cause (fire) is close to ones heart, passion and commitment will always be great.

Second Te Kura Reo o Tamaki nui-ā-Rua

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 22, 2024 12:00 PM

Nō ngā tōpito katoa o te motu i haere mai ai ngā kaipānga - he kanohi hou ētahi, he kanohi ētahi nō tauhouanga.

Alien Weaponry: Kua Tupu Te Ara

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 22, 2024 9:05 AM

Even if you’re not a fan of heavy metal, you can’t help but admire Alien Weaponry. If not for their rise to fame on an international scale, then for being the first band of the genre to sing in te reo Māori.

Iwi and Singapore game creator partner to promote Māori heritage

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 22, 2024 8:31 AM

Ngāti Kahungunu ki Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua has partnered with Singapore social enterprise Hidden to help visitors discover Māori heritage through an immersive outdoor adventure game.

Our Chinese grandmother made us speak Te Reo

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 21, 2024 11:59 PM

Suie Jung Thompson moved to Aotearoa from China as a young child. She now has mokopuna who are fluent speakers of te reo Māori and stand strong in their culture.

'Please don't talk to me in te reo'

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 21, 2024 5:00 AM

The opening chapter from the powerful new bestselling novel All That We Know by Shilo Kino.

Rangatahi go head-to-head for spot in new Wheturangihia play

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 18, 2024 6:01 PM

Te Whare Tapere o Te Arawa held auditions for their play Wheturangihia, the play which looks at Matariki and the healing powers of it brings together Māori students from across Te Arawa to give them an opportunity to showcase their abilities.

Kahu Collection brings whānau aspirations to life

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 17, 2024 10:52 PM

“As a tamaiti of kōhanga reo and now kura kaupapa Māori, she also wanted to reflect her strong commitment to advancing te reo Māori and striving for excellence. And the Poraka Poutama is the living embodiment of that.

Auckland University dedicates library space to speaking te reo

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 17, 2024 7:41 AM

The university has launched ReoSpace - a space in its main library where students can kōrero in an immersive environment.

Kōanga Festival: The ‘beating heart’ of Māori storytelling turns 10

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 17, 2024 7:00 AM

This year, Kōanga is partnering with New Zealand Opera for Tōiri, hosted by opera star Kawiti Waetford with four kaiwaiata who will sing opera in te reo Māori. The special event is during Te Wiki o te Reo Māori.

Ako Ararau expo focused on whānau relearning their reo

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 16, 2024 6:01 PM

Ako Ararau Māori Expo 2024 has attracted over eight hundred reo Māori language experts, learners and practitioners from across Aotearoa.

‘Matariki He Kāhui Reo’ wows audience in debut show

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 16, 2024 7:11 AM

Hundreds packed out the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell last night to witness the debut performance of Matariki He Kāhui Reo (Matariki, a constellation of voices).

Waikato's IA Make Us a Te Reo Māori Playlist

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 15, 2024 3:27 PM

To celebrate their new song 'Kura Huna', Reti Hedley, frontman of Waikato band IA, shares the te reo Māori songs he's got on repeat.

Programme aims to marry traditional koha concept and today’s tech

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 15, 2024 12:00 PM

“Our app’s not there to replace the envelope that does down - that’s always going to do down, that’s always going to be our tohu aroha (token of love).”

‘Ka mua, ka muri’ - new theatre show set to tour Aotearoa

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 15, 2024 6:38 AM

The show is inspired by the whakataukī, Kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua (I walk backwards into the future with my eyes fixed on my past).

We're a people who need to pray

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 14, 2024 7:02 AM

To find your own quiet space, and to send out your vibrations to the world beyond — even if it’s just with Te Inoi a te Ariki — is to participate fully in the Māori world by simply being in sync with the gods of our understanding.

Iwi-inspired wāhi tākaro opened at Kaipātiki Reserve

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 13, 2024 10:09 AM

A new Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara inspired wāhi tākaro, play space and community recreational area, has been opened at the reserve well-known for the Parakai Springs hot pool complex.

How Māori media has contributed to the revival of te reo

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 13, 2024 10:05 AM

Te Māngai Pāho was created in 1994 and is responsible for promoting te reo Māori and te ao Māori through funding Māori-language radio and TV programmes.

Huia Releases 'Tīaho Aho'

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 12, 2024 9:55 AM

This is the second waiata from Huia's Kawakawa album project, where she will drop a new waiata Māori every 6 weeks.

‘You just have to put yourself out there’, winner says

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 12, 2024 9:50 AM

One award-winning student hopes to pave the way for her junior peers, reminding them not to "be afraid to be Māori".

From the haka stage to the basketball court - Waikimihia Douglas-Karauna is taking te ao Māori to the world

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 11, 2024 1:29 AM

Douglas-Karauna says she’s had a packed schedule as she was also in Nelson last month, representing Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Koutu on the national kapa haka stage.

The future of Te Ao Haka: How to watch and join the Wānanga ā-Motu

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 11, 2024 1:28 AM

Te Ao Māori News partners with Te Reo o Te Uru, Aukaha News, Tahu News and Te Karere to bring you live updates from Tūrangawaewae.

Ōtautahi Christchurch legends Dillastrate release special new waiata, ‘Māwherangi’

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 11, 2024 1:25 AM

Christchurch duo Dillastrate has released a new waiata Māwherangi.

Mabel Wharekawa discusses Taikura kapa haka 2024

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 10, 2024 12:41 PM

Guardians of kapa haka and kaumātua from across the motu gathered in the capital city to share the Matariki spirit with what we do best, kapa haka.

New Māori resource for Olympic Games launched: Cheer on our Olympians in te reo Māori!

Posted by Sean Riki · July 10, 2024 11:27 AM · 1 reaction

Te reo Māori is going all the way to Paris as the first-ever bilingual sporting resource for an Olympic Games is launched today.

$10k up for grabs as Waha Kōrero celebrates reo Māori excellence

Posted by Sean Riki · July 10, 2024 11:17 AM · 1 reaction

Waha Kōrero, a new kaupapa from Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (Māori Language Commission) for Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, welcomes competitors to “prepare their voices and minds to soar”.

Waha Kōrero: New speech competition for proficient reo Māori speakers

Posted by Sean Riki · July 10, 2024 11:04 AM · 1 reaction

Te Taura Whiri is bringing a new kaupapa to Te Wiki o te reo Māori - Waha Kōrero - an opportunity for native and highly proficient speakers of te reo Māori.

Wahine Māori named UN EMRIP chair to further indigenous rights

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 10, 2024 8:16 AM

Dr Valmaine Toki has been appointed chair of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Mana whenua gift Māori names for Auckland Transport busway

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 10, 2024 7:53 AM

Auckland Transport says they’re honoured to have been gifted te reo Māori names for the Eastern Busway by Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki and Ngāti Whanaunga.

Tainapu: Normalising te reo in standup comedy

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 08, 2024 6:32 PM

The first ever reo Māori standup comedy show took place over the weekend. The entire event is about normalising the language in an informal setting.

Aotearoa-NZ's first trilingual interpreter Stephanie Awheto dies

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 08, 2024 8:01 AM

A long-serving advocate for the Māori deaf community whose work spanned three decades, Awheto helped bridge the gap for turi Māori to reconnect with te ao Māori.

Mihingarangi Forbes: I’ve still got heaps of gas in the tank

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 07, 2024 9:08 AM

"I'm certainly gonna be around in the next 15 to 20 years. I want to be part of something incredible that really makes a shift for us in broadcasting in terms of rangatiratanga and motuhake. We need to be in charge of our own platforms. And that's my goal."

How a phone greeting helped revitalise te reo Māori

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 06, 2024 10:08 AM

The simple act of answering the phone with the now widely-used Māori greeting "kia ora" nearly lost Dame Naida Glavish her job 40 years ago.

Kohanga Reo-raised Mataia Keepa says Matariki is reclaiming women’s place in ceremony

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 05, 2024 12:00 PM

“When it comes to propelling our aspirations or our incantations heavenly towards Matariki, it is important to think about that duality."

Māori and Pasifika names have a long history of being butchered by sports commentators: academics

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 05, 2024 5:08 AM

We need more Māori and Pasifika people to become sport commentators and ensure our languages are more heard in sports media.

APRA Silver Scroll and Maioha finalists announced

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 05, 2024 5:07 AM

Additionally, five songs have been shortlisted for the APRA Maioha Award, which celebrates waiata reo Māori.

Te Pūtahi o Manurewa ready to welcome their new students

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 05, 2024 5:06 AM

Te Pūtahi o Manurewa is a dream that has taken 20 years to achieve and will see the combining of both TKKM o Manurewa and Te Wharekura o Manurewa at the same campus.

Haere rā Newshub - A look back at the Māori journalists who shone

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 05, 2024 4:49 AM

Tonight marks the final Newshub bulletin, and with its closure, we spoke to reporter Leighton Heikell about how Māori journalists were represented at the network over the last 34 years.

Marlborough Ngā Manu Kōrero finalist is ‘something special’

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 05, 2024 4:38 AM

The college already had many second language learners within their cohort, but Kendal hoped Manaia’s Ngā Manu Kōrero success would inspire more to take up te reo as a subject option.

A kapa haka champion's welcome for Ngā Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Puku o Te Ika

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 03, 2024 9:12 AM

Te Arawa welcomes national champions of kapahaka kuratuarua Ngā Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Puku o Te Ika ā Māui home onto Ruamatā Marae.

Te Rau o Te Huia: Using AI to connect rangatahi with heritage

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 03, 2024 2:36 AM

Dan Te Whenua Walker has created a custom AI to preserve mātauranga about his home in Taranaki.

Te Awe Kōtuku protected mātauranga Māori at height of pandemic - report

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 03, 2024 2:27 AM

An independent kaupapa Māori assessment documents early impacts and benefits of the Te Awe Kōtuku programme in supporting mātauranga Māori.

Tōnui Collab wins big at Matihiko awards for STEMM education in Tairāwhiti

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 03, 2024 2:17 AM

Tōnui Collab, a Tairawhiti-based innovator in bilingual STEMM education, achieved a triple whammy at this year’s Matihiko awards.

From Gizzy to the Olympics: Ishtar Mackey-Huriwai to rep Aotearoa in Paris

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 03, 2024 2:15 AM

I know when I enter the ring, I have my tīpuna and my whānau behind me. Ahakoa he kotahi he manomano.”

Ngāi Tahu reflects on a successful Matariki

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 02, 2024 2:29 AM

Members of Ngāi Tahu are reflecting on the revival of karakia and te reo - which was on full display at the national Matariki commemorations.

Mātātoa: The CrossFit competition that blends fitness and te reo

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 02, 2024 1:06 AM

"This is one of many kaupapa that we run and as a wider whānau growing up we've always been very kaupapa and all paddling the same waka no matter what the kaupapa is."

Celebrating 30 Years of Te Reo Māori Broadcasting: Te Māngai Pāho Marks Milestone Anniversary

Posted by Hera Eparaima · July 01, 2024 2:48 AM

This month, Te Māngai Pāho are excited to celebrate 30 years of funding te reo Māori content for Aotearoa.

Temuera Morrison: Walking in my tupuna's shoes

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 30, 2024 8:19 AM

“It was scary stuff to walk in those shoes. I just don't think we have anywhere near the gifts and the special powers that our tūpuna had.”

Japan tamariki haka for Māori All Blacks

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 30, 2024 7:25 AM

Local children expressed a 'heartfelt welcome' to the Māori All Blacks this week.

Anna Coddington releases a bilingual album for the dancefloor

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 29, 2024 1:30 PM

Anna Coddington has released a brand new, bilingual album called Te Whakamiha, released for Matariki and created with her longtime collaborators and band, The Appreciations.

Pride and progress take centre stage in Te Tauihu

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 29, 2024 7:58 AM

What may not be obvious is that events like Te Huinga Whetū are not just moments in time; they leave an indelible mark on communities like ours and generate more momentum for revitalisation.

‘My grandchildren will hear the Ojibwe language into the future’

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 29, 2024 7:25 AM

North American First Nation speakers of the indigenous Ojibwe language are celebrating a blockbuster opportunity to use “the Force” to help preserve their language.

Mānawatia a Matariki: National hautapu held in Wānaka

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 28, 2024 5:16 PM

E te iwi, Mānawatia a Matariki! The national hautapu ceremony has gone South, hosted by Ngāi Tahu iwi in Wānaka.

Matariki: Rereata Makiha

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 28, 2024 9:20 AM

All iwi celebrate the Maori New Year in June or July, but not all refer to it as Matariki. Instead, this time of year is called 'Puanga'.

Matariki ideal time to learn about autism from a Māori world view

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 28, 2024 7:42 AM

The origins of Matariki mean it can have a special significance for tāngata whaikaha, people with disabilities.

Professor Rangi Matamua and the rising Matariki movement

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 28, 2024 7:39 AM

Since it became a public holiday in 2022, Matamua says support for the celebration continues to grow. Many iwi across the country have tailored their own approaches and traditional knowledge related to the maramataka and Matariki.

Māori and Tamil waiata brings communities together

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 28, 2024 7:14 AM

Canada-based musician Wilbur Sargunaraj has collaborated with Māori artists to create a unique cross-cultural song about kinship and connections.

New whakairo, poupou unveiled in Kaitaia

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 27, 2024 6:01 PM

New carvings and poupou have been unveiled to accompany buildings that will help uplift whānau in need in Kaitaia.

Aroha ki te tangata: Inside the lives of Māori wardens

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 27, 2024 12:00 PM

This series of six video stories gives viewers an intimate look at the day-to-day dedication of six Māori wardens working in various North Island communities.

New digital artwork unveiled at Waipapa Taumata Rau

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 27, 2024 12:00 PM

Māramatanga showcases six performers embodying ātua and ancestral figures that draw inspiration from the carvings in the nearby whare whakairo of Waipapa Marae, Tāne-nui-a-rangi.

Taikura Kapa Haka: Living legends return to stage at Te Papa

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 27, 2024 10:58 AM

The term “taikura” refers to the aged rings at the heart of the tōtara tree, symbolising kaumātua as the heart and soul of the people.

Tohunga toi awarded for contribution to Māori weaving and culture

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 27, 2024 10:57 AM

Māori weaver and educator Christina Hurihia Wirihana was recognised last night for her contribution and dedication to Te ao Māori.

Kids become myrtle rust busters with new game

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 27, 2024 8:19 AM

‘E heke e Heka!’, available in both English and Te Reo Māori, takes the user on an interactive hīkoi (walk) through the ngahere (forest) with Tiki the native stick insect as a guide.

How AI is helping Māori recover their own voices

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 27, 2024 8:19 AM

Using around 10,000 written or printed sentences, along with 500 spoken phrases, the group is training Microsoft Azure AI tools to not only translate but speak the local Nāti dialect.

Corporate change award recognises indigenous impact at Microsoft

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 27, 2024 7:44 AM

Isaac Morunga has been named one of the latest recipients of the Matihiko Awards, which celebrate excellence and contributions across various kaupapa in the digital space.

Māori celebrate Matariki in Australia

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 27, 2024 2:56 AM

Ohinga visited the first Matariki festival on the Gold Coast to see how it’s being celebrated.

Science symposium takes place, inspiring rangatahi in Te Taitokerau

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 26, 2024 7:01 PM

A science symposium, incorporating Mātauranga Māori is on show at Te Ahu, Kaitaia to inspire local high school students and members of the Far North community.

Harmonic Resonators are on song for Matariki

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 26, 2024 12:00 PM

The harmonisers have recorded a song for children to learn the Matariki cluster.

Celebrate Matariki with a hautapu ceremony at home

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 26, 2024 12:00 PM

'Hosting a hautapu at home can be simple,' says Leroy de Thierry. Here's how.

‘Matariki baby’ Stacey Morrison heads home for special broadcast

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 25, 2024 9:51 AM

Morrison spoke to Stuff ahead of the official Mānawatia a Matariki 2024 broadcast from Treble Cone in Wānaka, a significant event for home iwi Ngāi Tahu.

The meaning and stories behind Māori place names in Otago

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 25, 2024 9:42 AM

Ōtepoti, Taieri and Kaikorai are well known names to people in Dunedin and Otago - but where did they come from and what do they mean?

Margaret Raggett - Profile

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 25, 2024 9:40 AM

“Just ordinary everyday pop” is how she described her songs to a Playdate interviewer in 1961, but those songs covered a wide range of styles and moods: country, rockabilly, ballads, and waiata in te reo Māori.

Te Aupōuri Iwi Wānanga Bring Kaumātua And Rangatahi Together

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 25, 2024 9:30 AM

Kōrero tuku iho and waiata are important modes of learning history of Te Aupōuri.

Matariki, Māori New Year in Te Ao Māori

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 25, 2024 9:18 AM

Some of the educational touchpoints this year include Marshall Park, where Te Reo Māori speakers will be to help guide guests through pronunciation of words relating to Matariki and their meanings – the trees will have these key words hanging in them, too.

Thousands sing Nei Rā Te Kaupapa at kura tuarua kapa haka nats

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 24, 2024 5:33 PM

Before they compete tomorrow, thousands sang Nei Rā Te Kaupapa in unison to close out the pōwhiri for Te Huinga Whetū Kapa Haka Kura Tuarua o Aotearoa.

South Taranaki church hosting bilingual service for Matariki

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 24, 2024 8:59 AM

A church in Eltham will once again be filled with songs of praise in te reo Māori and English during a special bilingual service for Matariki.

‘We’ve weathered the storm’: Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei launch new waka after almost 25-year wait

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 24, 2024 8:35 AM

“If you know our legends, Tāne Mahuta and Tangaroa, two brothers who’ve been mortal enemies with each other. To take a child (tree) from one and give it to the other, you need to sort that out... sort all your issues on the land then we give that canoe to the ocean.”

Māori Spirituality, Life and Death with Rereata Makiha

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 23, 2024 4:00 PM

Rereata Makiha grew up immersed in the Maramataka or Māori calendar. He was taught an intricate system of beliefs and observations that existed long before Christianity arrived.

He's 80 years old and discovering the power of te reo

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 23, 2024 9:07 AM

“When I first started coaching in the 1980s, I didn’t have the right language to express the values that have always guided me. They were expressed in European terms.”

Being Māori: ‘Some of us are still finding our way back’

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 23, 2024 9:00 AM

“Growing up, my connection to ao Māori was non-existent. My dad taught us that learning Māori and being Māori wouldn't get us far in life.”

Te Mata o te Tini - Sir Selwyn Tanetoa Parata knighted in Ruatorea

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 23, 2024 8:44 AM

Thousands gather to honour Sir Selwyn Parata for his services to te iwi Māori.

Real soul food: The Hāngi Master reveals top tips to eating well this Matariki

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 23, 2024 8:44 AM

Two Northland cousins with a passion for food, whānau and whenua are sharing their secrets to the best traditional Māori kai this Matariki.

The iwi artist ‘dazzling’ downtown Tāmaki Makaurau

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 23, 2024 8:38 AM

A dazzling Matariki light display by Pāora Puru is lighting up downtown Tāmaki Makaurau. Soon, another of his creations will tell a second 'beautiful Māori story' in lights.

Matariki recipes: Uncle Pare’s kai and kōrero

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 22, 2024 8:45 AM

The theme for Matariki 2024 is Matariki Heri Kai: the feast of Matariki. It comes from the Māori proverb, Matariki whetū heri kai, meaning Matariki, the bringer of food.

'Clever' puppy goes viral for being able to count in te reo Māori

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 21, 2024 9:07 AM

User @dartagnanlewis on TikTok shared a video of their clever pup understanding the reo.

Te Manawa launches: unites artists across Tāmaki Makaurau

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 21, 2024 8:54 AM

Te Manawa has a kāhui of senior Māori artists across Tāmaki Makaurau, including Māori theatre, dancers, rāranga, Te Whare Pora, Māori comedy, visual arts, poetry and spoken word.

Place name changes: From Whanganui to Kororāreka, what you need to know

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 21, 2024 8:51 AM

The changes - which affect suburbs, towns, parks, rivers, maunga and streets - are often made to restore te reo Māori names, but there are other reasons, too.

‘Heart of campus’ AUT strengthen ties with Ngāti Paoa over new building

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 21, 2024 8:48 AM

“We were pondering about our chiefly ancestor Tukutuku, the second wife of the ancestor Paoa. There is also a connection in the works of the tukutuku panels and whatu raranga, which binds this tribe and that tribe, no matter where they’re from.”

Te Māngai Pāho celebrates 30 years in July

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 20, 2024 5:32 PM

In July, Te Māngai Pāho will be celebrating 30 years since its doors opened in 1994. Today they are planning this significant milestone with the Māori media sector.

Tāmihana; 'A legacy of servant leadership in Aotearoa' exhibition opens

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 20, 2024 4:58 PM

Ōtorohanga Museum opened its doors to "Ki te Kapu o Taku Ringa – In the Palm of My Hand", an exhibition and photo book launch inspired by King Tāwhiao's 'Maioha mō Waikato'.

Growing Great Facilitators

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 20, 2024 8:45 AM

Arihia Latham, Kaikōkiri Māori Advisor for Enviroschools, ran a series of rich sessions exploring aspects of Te Ao Māori, unpacking the differences between karakia, pepeha and mihi, exploring whakapapa and facilitating kōrero about the importance of connecting with local hapū.

He Reo Tawhito: Conversations About Mōteatea

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 20, 2024 4:48 AM

Rich and poetic, He Reo Tawhito: Conversations about Mōteatea offers further understanding about this ancient art form, with host Crystal Edwards.

Rising star: Actor Hinerangi Harawira Nicholas

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 20, 2024 4:21 AM

Last week the Tūhoe teenager made her big screen debut in new Māori-led film Ka Whawhai Tonu, alongside Temuera Morrison, Cliff Curtis and Miriama Smith.

Kōkōrangi: Māori astronomer guiding crowds into the New Year

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 20, 2024 4:18 AM

“We all descend from Ngā Whetū (the stars), we all descend from our tūpuna who were navigators. We built our culture around our understanding of te taiao (the environment) and that was built upon kōkōrangi.”

Whakaata Māori and Sky Sport to simulcast Matariki rugby matches

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 20, 2024 4:12 AM

Commentary will be provided by Te Ao Māori News’ Tūmamao Harawira (Ngāpuhi) and Whakaata Māori’s Te Aorere Pēwhairangi (Ngāti Porou) in te reo Māori, with Tony Johnson and Bryn Hall calling the matches in English.

Ceremonial kūwaha renewed in time for Prime Minister's visit to Tokyo

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 19, 2024 4:36 AM

I always say that our Māori culture transcends boundaries and brings people together ahakoa te kaupapa it seems to cut through."

Overseas musicians thirsty for te reo Māori music

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 19, 2024 4:09 AM

Jordyn Rapana notes the irony that, while at home the use of Māori is being slammed, overseas the appetite for te reo Māori and Māori music remains huge.

Wānanga waiata held in Hokianga

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 18, 2024 6:01 PM

Hokianga kura were part of a wānanga at Motukaraka to compose waiata and ensure the legacy of Wai262 thrives.

Piripi's adventures continue across the ditch

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 18, 2024 4:43 AM

The wider whānau love the show because nobody is acting and there's no script, Kupenga-Keefe says. That extends to the use of te reo in the show.

Four young Māori earn scholarships for ivy league education

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 17, 2024 7:49 AM

“I am fortunate to have attended a kura where I see the unapologetic acceptance and integration of culture into our daily education. Teachers and students alike learn and understand the significance of pepeha, mihi, haka and waiata as well as proper tikanga.

Eat my stories: The futures of Māori theatre

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 16, 2024 12:14 PM

Whakapaupakihi was created with three intentions: “To remind everyone of how epic our ancestors and their stories are; to create the Māori Marvel for our children; to write and perform a musical work in our First Language, te reo Māori.” Forget Hamilton!

Please don't ask me to prove that I'm Māori enough

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 15, 2024 11:46 AM

I did not grow up speaking te reo. I can’t go back in time and attend Kohanga or convince my parents to give me a Māori name. Nor can I play the guitar well enough to support a waiata tautoko...

Earliest known oil painting of a haka on display in Auckland

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 15, 2024 11:43 AM

“The Taranaki iwi connected to this painting have been kind and generous in sharing their knowledge and mātauranga to provide a more fulsome historical context."

‘Blew them away’: Rangatahi in awe of te reo Māori virtual reality game

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 15, 2024 11:32 AM

Wiremu Grace’s 'Atuatanga’ VR game is free to play in Christchurch and Wellington during the Doc Edge festival. Later, it’s hoped it can be taken to kura and marae to experience.

Indigenous method used for freshwater fish conservation efforts

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 14, 2024 11:46 AM

This initiative is one of many that will contribute to an ambitious 500-year restoration plan by Zealandia Te Māra a Tane.

New World’s closing store call in Māori caught on video goes viral

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 14, 2024 11:35 AM

A video of a New World Ōpōtiki staff member announcing the closing of their store in Māori has received praise from the public.

World-first Māori language festival welcomes all to Heretaunga

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 13, 2024 10:02 AM

Heretaunga Hastings will host a world-first Māori language and culture festival, Toitū Te Reo, on August 8 and 9 this year.

‘Hold onto the dream’: Ka Whawhai Tonu theme song released today

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 13, 2024 9:44 AM

The composers for the film, Tiki Taane (Ngāti Maniapoto) and Arli Liberman, were challenged by the filmmakers to write a theme and closing song for the film that would emotionally, spiritually, and sonically lift the audience from the gravity of the historical kaupapa portrayed in the film.

Te reo Māori in public sector: More work to be done for normalisation of te reo

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 13, 2024 9:17 AM

"Kotahi te reo ake o tēnei whenua, katoa ngā reo i haria mai, i haria mai i rāwahi, i whenua kē. Koinei mātau e mea nei me kōrero Māori a Aotearoa whānui."

Special Kuapola Hautapu for Makali'i-Matariki in Hawai’i

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 12, 2024 8:35 AM

Kānaka Maoli of Hawai'i and Māori hold special Kuapola Hautapu ceremony to celebrate the rise of Makali'i or Matariki.

From Aoraki to Whanganui: 25 of Aotearoa’s best new (old) placenames

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 11, 2024 8:39 AM

Petone to Pito One is the latest in a long line of placename corrections in Aotearoa. Here are 25 of our favourites.

Puaka in the spotlight this Matariki

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 11, 2024 8:18 AM

Puaka is one of the small ways the beginning of the maramataka (Māori lunar calendar) has different significance to southern Māori who, historically, built their livelihoods off harvesting wild foods, rather than crops as was done up north.

Life as a Māori translator

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 10, 2024 8:56 AM

“Translators can continue to uplift and promote the language for our children.”

The future of Aotearoa is entwined with the future of Māori

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 10, 2024 8:40 AM

With a large population of rangatahi and the widespread presence of kōhanga reo, kura kaupapa Māori and wharekura, there is also a chance for the continued revitalisation and preservation of Māori culture, language and traditions.

Returning musician Hinewirangi Kohu-Morgan & tohunga puoro back home

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 09, 2024 8:00 AM

Kotahi tau nō muri mai i tana rironga, kua whakamānawahia te tohunga puoro, a Hinewirangi Kohu-Morgan. Whakaekea ai tōna whare e ana pia i runga i te reo kar...

Naming the animals of Auckland Zoo in Te Reo!

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 09, 2024 12:00 AM

Kea Kids reporter talks to Auckland Zoo visitors about the te reo Māori names for some of the animals.

Brand new campus for pioneering preschool-to-tertiary Māori immersion school in Hastings

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 08, 2024 12:00 PM

The Māori language immersion institution is the first of its kind in Aotearoa. Many of its staff attended as children and have returned as part of a self-sustaining life-long learning model.

Names in the land

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 08, 2024 3:18 AM

Across generations, Māori place names have whispered stories of the past, guiding us to retrace the steps of those who came before us.

Auckland kura takes te ao Māori approach to discussing menstruation

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 08, 2024 2:22 AM

“He kaupapa ka kawea ki waenga i ngā tamariki. He kaupapa e hora nei i nga kōrero, ngā pūrākau, ngā kōrero mō ngā atua e hāngai ana ki tēnei kaupapa te ikura”.

Te Whaitua o Uenuku Ngā Manu Kōrero regionals kicks off

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 07, 2024 5:31 PM

Te Whaitua o Uenuku regional manu kōrero competition is underway with a clear focus on Māori sovereignty, with the current political climate affecting all Māori it is now being used as inspiration for these young orators.

Landmark agreement reached with Whakaata Māori and TG4 Ireland

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 07, 2024 2:29 AM

“The parallels are evident to me between te reo Māori and an Ghaeilge, their communities of speakers and their revitalisation efforts."

Stars align for magical Matariki in Tauranga

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 06, 2024 7:04 AM

"This year we encourage our community to embrace saying ‘happy Matariki’ in Te Reo Māori, which translates as ‘Ngā mihi o Matariki, te tau hou Māori’.”

Toward Māori Tino Rangatiratanga: Aspirations and Pathways to 2040

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 06, 2024 6:23 AM

Support for language immersion programs, cultural institutions, and land repatriation initiatives can ensure the preservation and transmission of cultural knowledge across generations.

Preserving traditions and history for future generations of Te Rarawa

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 06, 2024 5:33 AM

This repository is protecting the knowledge, history, and stories of all the subtribes of Te Rarawa and, according to Te Whata findings in 2018, the population that belonged to Te Rarawa was more than 23,000, so there was no doubt that there is a lot of work to be done.

Te Matatini champions arrive in Hawaii for Pacfest

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 05, 2024 6:07 PM

Kua ū Te Kapa Haka o Te Whānau a Apanui ki Hawaii i te kainamutanga o te ahurei toi o Te Moana Nui a Kiwa.

Rei Announced as Guest Judge for Play It Strange’s New Te Reo Māori Songwriting Competition

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 05, 2024 7:01 AM

Play It Strange is proud to unveil the addition of a new Te Reo Māori Songwriting Competition to its umbrella of songwriting competitions this year.

Talking and eating at Matariki Heri Kai 2024

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 05, 2024 6:19 AM

The theme for Matariki 2024, Matariki Heri Kai, talks about more than just the physical bearing of food.

How non-Māori learning te reo helps revitalise the language

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 05, 2024 5:48 AM

I'm very optimistic moving forward that my moko will grow up in a world which validates their identity and their tikanga and embraces it. A world that learns it and loves it as much as we do.

Duncan Cotterill partner on moonlighting as a student of te reo Māori

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 04, 2024 6:33 AM

In the wake of a recent call to include te ao Māori in legal education curriculums, Nick Laing is getting a head start. The Duncan Cotterill partner is presently spending his nights in the study of te reo Māori – an experience he describes as “eye-opening”.

Humble Waitomo kuia a ‘little embarrassed’ by honour

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 03, 2024 11:56 AM

Despite devoting more than 40 years of her life in service to Māori, Josephine Anderson felt anxious about receiving the King’s Birthday Honour, worried she did not deserve it.

Mike Hollings’ passion for education and te reo Māori

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 03, 2024 11:53 AM

Of all his career achievements, Hollings points to the revitalisation of te reo Māori as his greatest passion and proudest mahi.

Aotearoa delegations arrive in Hawai'i ahead of Festival of Pacific Arts

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 03, 2024 9:25 AM

Tata ki te 100 ngā ringa toi Māori ka tau ki Honolulu, Hawaii i tēnei wiki mō Te Ahurei Toi o Te Moana Nui a Kiwa.

Qiane Matata-Sipu: Our stories have the answers

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 02, 2024 12:48 PM

Writing in te reo first was an exciting challenge to myself: to use our reo and pair it with my talents and creativity, because I didn’t go and do a year of full-immersion learning for nothing.

Jenny Lee-Morgan: Diversity is a slippery word

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 02, 2024 12:44 PM

But, being in Aotearoa, my commitment has been to my Māori side and to supporting the revitalisation of te reo and tikanga Māori — and that includes bringing up all our children in Māori immersion education and staying connected to our marae.

Māori artists win big at Aotearoa Music Awards

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 01, 2024 7:02 PM

Māori music artists collected many awards at the Aotearoa Music Awards last night in Auckland, with that was Dame Hinewehi Mohi inducted into the music hall of fame.

The history of Moteatea

Posted by Hera Eparaima · June 01, 2024 12:30 PM

Julian Wilcox hosts a korero about moteatea - chanted song poetry - which will feature in a new podcast series.

Musician and te reo advocate Codi Wehi-Ngatai launches EP for tamariki

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 31, 2024 8:08 AM

Driven by a mission to support the growth of te reo Māori for future generations, Wehi-Ngatai believes in the power of music to embed the language into daily life.

He pūtea hōu ki Te Matatini

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 30, 2024 6:58 AM

"Ehara mō ēnei rā noa iho, engari, ka ora hoki tēnei taonga tuku iho mō ngā reanga haere ake nei.”

Te Reo Māori literature flying off the shelves

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 30, 2024 6:51 AM

Auckland Council’s Acting Head of Library and Learning Services, Stacey Smith, says that both children’s bilingual books, learning tikanga and Te Reo books alike are popular amongst Aotearoa, particularly in Tamaki Makaurau.

Celebrating Māori success through collaborative partnerships: Korowai Mokopuna

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 29, 2024 6:53 AM

Korowai Mokopuna upskills experienced teachers to become resource teachers, enhancing their capability with whānau, children, youth, teachers and other practitioners in Kōhanga Reo.

Children's author sparks elemental shift in Cook Islands Māori

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 29, 2024 6:48 AM

A children’s book author is working to introduce new words into the Cook Islands Māori language, which if successful will make the Cook Islands the first Pasifika nation to expand their language into sciences such as physics, chemistry and biology.

Google & PB Tech launch reo Māori Chromebook in NZ schools

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 28, 2024 9:54 AM

Google New Zealand, in partnership with PB Tech and the Māori Language Commission, has delivered 5,000 Chromebooks with a te reo Māori keyboard to students, promoting digital use of the language.

Revitalising te reo Māori on the West Coast

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 25, 2024 6:27 AM

“My offering, my koha for my grandchildren and my great-great-grandchildren... [is] for them to go to Te Tai Poutini, the West Coast, and see and hear both of their languages flourishing.“

Professor Rangi Mātāmua awarded NZ Order of Merit for services to Māori astronomy

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 24, 2024 9:41 AM

Sir Pou Temara, alongside an array of tohunga, led a hautapu ceremony at Te Papa to mark Matariki becoming an official holiday for the first time in 2022.

Wellington City Council corrects Epuni Street to Hōniana Te Puni Street

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 24, 2024 9:29 AM

A new street sign was unveiled by Wellington City Council, Wellington Central MP Tamatha Paul, and direct descendants of chief Hōniana Te Puni on Thursday morning.

Telling pūrākau through taonga pūoro

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 24, 2024 9:11 AM

Tōiriiri ai a oro rau i te wānanga Taonga Pūoro Māreikura ki Kirikiriroa Marae i ngā rangi tata nei. He tuatahitanga te kaupapa e whai nei kia whakaora, kia whakaū anō i te taonga pūoro mā roto mai i ngā kōrero tuku iho mō ngā atua wāhine.

Ako I Te Reo: New app designed to contribute to revitalise te reo

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 23, 2024 7:02 PM

‘Ako I Te Reo' is a new app designed by Manurewa High School students, aimed at contributing towards the revitalisation of te reo Māori.

Music as a vessel for Maori and Welsh language revitalisation

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 22, 2024 9:21 AM

“Ki au nei i māmā i ētahi wā ki te rāranga i nga reo e rua ki te takapou o ngā waiata, i waihangatia i auahatia. Nā reira, i runga i tērā, i tino kitea i te ataahuatanga, i te āhua reka o te mahi tahitanga.

World-first Māori reading books pave the way for other indigenous languages

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 22, 2024 2:34 AM

Auckland Libraries has released six picture books with a VOX reader that uses Māori.

'Pretty emotional': Bay-born sparkie and teacher team up for kids' book

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 20, 2024 12:00 PM

What started as a drive to learn te reo Māori has led to a bilingual journal for kids.

Wahine Māori set to lead global public health body

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 20, 2024 12:00 AM

The inauguration will for the first time include indigenous processes and protocols, including an acknowledgement of the past president, a tikanga Māori process in te reo Māori to formally deliver Rawson-Te Patu into the presidency, and haka and waiata.

Dedicated Māori #rangatahi, emerges as a beacon of cultural revitalization.

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 19, 2024 7:00 PM

Te Kanawa Wilson, showcasing unwavering commitment to excellence in Te Ao Māori.

Reason to feel hopeful about Aotearoa

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 19, 2024 11:04 AM

What an uplifting weekend. Believe in a bicultural, bilingual, collaborative Aotearoa.

Fanning the flames beyond Matariki

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 19, 2024 10:55 AM

Fundamentally, Matariki is about three things: Remembering the people who have died since the last rising of Matariki, coming together to feast, connect and celebrate who we are, and planning for the year ahead in the hopes of a bright and prosperous future.

Isla Huia: Sometimes writing is all you can do

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 19, 2024 10:52 AM

I teach te reo and then I’m a dean the rest of the time. But I haven’t really had a way to share my writing because I’m in a te reo space more than a writing space.

Te Rauhiringa Brown: How Dame Hinewehi Mohi found her voice

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 18, 2024 9:37 AM

Many mentors helped Dame Hinewehi on her journey but two people in particular fired her passion for music and te reo Māori, reports Te Rauhiringa Brown.

Teaching te reo growing confidence in children

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 18, 2024 8:45 AM

A Palmerston North school is seeing an improvement in children’s results in its new bilingual Māori language classroom.

Special artwork of Kahe Te Rau-o-te-rangi created for Kindercare ki Paraparaumu

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 17, 2024 9:54 AM

The centre’s tamariki have written a song about Kahe’s swim and translated their waiata into te reo Māori which they are learning.

Name change likely for Riverton park

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 17, 2024 9:27 AM

“The previous name had no alignment with anything, it was just that it was a misspelling of the term (Kohikohi) which was one of the chief’s daughter’s names.”

Māui Barbers in Rotorua open for fades and safe space for men’s health

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 17, 2024 9:10 AM

Tikanga Māori is an important part of the business’s DNA, opening each morning with karakia and encouraging each other to kōrero in their native tongue and boast in their own cultures as each haircutting station proudly flies their home flags.

Iwi pledges to use only te reo Māori to communicate with Govt

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 17, 2024 5:00 AM

“It really encouraged us to look at our use of te reo Māori on an everyday basis. It made us look at how we communicate with others, including the Government, and this seemed like a natural progression,” she said.

Tā Pou Temara wins first Māori language book honour at Ockham Book Awards

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 16, 2024 11:29 PM

Judge Paraone Gloyne (Raukawa ki Wharepūhunga, Ngāti Maniapoto) says the book is a valuable account exploring the big questions about the Tūhoe men and women who went to fight with Ngāti Maniapoto in the battle of Ōrākau during the New Zealand Wars.

Navy staff haka out the old rear admiral and welcome in the new commodore

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 16, 2024 11:27 PM

Navy staff performed a rousing haka to farewell their chief David Proctor and welcome in the new acting boss, Andrew Brown.

Hi Tech Awards to recognise Māori achievement

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 16, 2024 9:07 AM

“We’ve got Māori in NASA doing some amazing mahi, we’ve got Māori who are doing the digitisation of their pūrākau for their hapū and iwi.”

E topa ana a Ngāti Whakaue ki Monte Cassino, Itāria

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 15, 2024 11:29 PM

Kua topa te kapa haka o Ngāti Whakaue me ōna koeke ki Itāria, ki reira whakamaharatia ai te parekuratanga o te tini, i te pakanga nui o Monte Cassino, e waru tekau tau ki muri.

Te Poho o Hinekahukura off to Te Matatini

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 15, 2024 11:00 PM

Community leader, education stalwart and former sportswoman Dame June Mariu is the centrepiece of Te Poho o Hinekahukura and it is she who was celebrated this year.

Poi boy learns viral poi in a day!

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 15, 2024 10:47 PM

The 15 year-old has mastered the regional poi of Tāmaki Makaurau senior kapa, Angitū, and released his version on Tik Tok the following day.

Tauira of tomorrow showcase their oratory skills at Te Arawa Manu Kōrero regionals

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 15, 2024 8:54 PM

Te reo Māori is her first language, but, for Atareta Milne-Maxwell, she took on the challenge of competing in the Te Arawa Manu Kōrero regionals speaking in her second language - English.

Demand for te reo Māori met with large development in Karangahake

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 15, 2024 8:38 PM

A new Māori language sanctuary is being built in the middle of the Karangahake gorge to cater to the growing demand for te reo Māori amongst both Māori and non-Māori.

8 Memorable te reo Māori Songs

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 15, 2024 5:06 PM

To celebrate it being NZ Music Month, check out a selection of top tracks sung in te reo Māori by Stan Walker, Lorde and more.

SOUNZ Launching Hōtaka Māori Online June 5th!

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 15, 2024 9:41 AM

Get ready for the exciting online reveal of three series from SOUNZ Hōtaka Māori from June 5 2024! June 5th 2024 will be an unforgettable celebration of the release of our highly anticipated Hōtaka Māori.

The cage fighter who became a teacher who became a writer

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 14, 2024 7:35 AM

In August, it will take him to the release of his second book Pātea Boys, a collection of short stories in English and te reo Maori.

Grace foundation haka rōpū capture hearts of audiences at regionals

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 13, 2024 5:32 PM

One group that shot to fame over the weekend at the Auckland kapa haka regionals was none other than Aroha Noa from the Grace Foundation.

Who's the wannabe Māori now, Mum?

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 12, 2024 6:33 AM

From that point on, Mum started watching Hōmai Te Pakipaki. It became her favourite programme. She also watched Te Karere and Matatini. She struggled to understand any of it, but it helped her familiarise herself with Māori culture and language.

Fires burning in their throats

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 12, 2024 6:26 AM

“We’re committed to opening the stage to exciting and confronting kōrero from Māori creators, thinkers and change-makers with fires burning in their throats. Fires that burn even more urgently today.”

40 years ago, Poi E topped NZ’s charts for a month straight

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 12, 2024 6:17 AM

When Pātea Māori Club’s Poi E hit number one on the NZ charts in March 1984, a position it would end up holding for a month, producer Dalvanius Prime wept.

Piki te Ora: Hira Nathan and Jessie Eyre’s new hauora journal for tamariki

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 12, 2024 6:17 AM

Hira Nathan's bilingual gratitude journal is a best-seller, now he's co-authored a new hauora book especially for tamariki with teacher friend Jessie Eyre from reo Māori classes.

Ngāpuhi descendant flying off to NASA

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 11, 2024 6:18 AM

Axl Rogers grew up in West Auckland and spent his childhood on the porch with his Nana observing the stars. Now he's off to NASA.

Students learn to sign pepeha for New Zealand Sign Language Week

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 10, 2024 9:02 AM

It’s New Zealand Sign Language Week and students from Kelston Intermediate have been learning to sign their pepeha. “An Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere” is this year’s theme emphasising inclusivity and accessibility in communication.

Mike McRoberts calls new job ‘an opportunity to shape the narrative’

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 10, 2024 8:56 AM

Born to a Ngāti Kahungunu father and a Pākehā mother, McRoberts was raised with little connection to Māori culture and once said he experienced anxiety just saying “kia ora” at the top of the news.

Kōhanga reo stalwart honoured

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 10, 2024 8:50 AM

Letty Brown dedicates her MNZM to all Māori children that champion the Māori language, customs and Māoridom.

Tahitian relatives meet with wharekura on how to bring their culture to life back home

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 10, 2024 8:00 AM

A Nui Taputaputaea met with Te Wharekura o te Kaokaoroa o Pātetere in search of 'How - How can we bring our culture to life on our henua for our tamari’i?'

Kea Kids: Māori Minecraft competition builds community through creativity

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 09, 2024 12:00 PM

We’re at Te Ahi Orokohanga, where over 140 kids are competing in a Minecraft speed-building competition entirely in Te Reo Māori!

Kura Kaupapa Māori, where Rangatira are made

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 09, 2024 8:28 AM

After being immersed in te āo Māori throughout his life, Hikawai Te Nahu reflects on how his kura kaupapa Māori roots have held stong as he navigated the world of mainstream tertiary education.

Matariki drone light show at Rotorua Lakefront as part of Aronui Indigenous Arts Festival

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 09, 2024 7:57 AM

“Learning the story of Matariki and collaborating as artists, the oldest and youngest indigenous peoples of the world, has been the beating heart of this project - a beautiful opportunity for cross-cultural connectivity”.

University Associate Professor committed to reo Māori journey

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 08, 2024 8:34 AM

She has seen her tamariki involved in Māori kaupapa through their schooling and sees the relevance in establishing a better understanding of te ao Māori as a parent and resident in Aotearoa, as well as with her mahi as an Associate Professor.

Wharekura students take out rangatahi award at Ngā Tohu Reo Māori 2024

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 08, 2024 8:06 AM

Wharekura students in Wellington are combining te reo and mātauranga Māori to help protect sites of significance and educate visiting manuhiri in their rohe.

Māori lecturers say mispronunciation of te reo remains a significant issue in New Zealand

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 08, 2024 7:58 AM

“Practice makes perfect. If you learn a language as an adult, it is very, very difficult to pronounce things as perfectly as a native speaker, but you can get up to a very, very good standard,” says Keegan.

Palmerston North student’s race unity speech makes impact

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 07, 2024 9:14 AM

The words of a Rangitāne rangatira rang out across the crowd as Palmerston North Boys’ High School Race Unity Speech Awards finalist Leo Mwape shared his kōrero for how Aotearoa can unite.

Rotorua real estate agent offers te reo signs in bid to encourage Māori homeowners

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 06, 2024 8:49 AM

The 27-year-old real estate agent with First National Rotorua has decided to use te reo on some of her marketing signs, and says her policy is to empower indigenous homeowners by working within a kanohi-ki-te-kanohi (face-to-face) model.

Tikanga Māori and the rights and obligations of free speech

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 05, 2024 8:50 AM

The whakataukī, “He tao rākau e taea te karo; he tao kōrero, e kore e taea te karo. The taiaha can be parried, but words go straight to the heart,” is a reminder to take care with how we speak to each other and what we say.

Ngāhuia Murphy: The mana and mātauranga of wāhine Māori

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 05, 2024 8:07 AM

I discovered, through examining karakia, mōteatea iwi, navigational and cosmological stories and histories, that our tīpuna celebrated the arrival of te awa atua...

Anna Coddington – ‘Kātuarehe’

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 04, 2024 9:05 AM

The track and album both move effortlessly from te reo Māori to English, bringing a sound which Coddington herself dubbed “Māori funk”.

‘Promise, I’m on the right show’: Reo Māori speaking comedian excited for NZ Comedy Festival debut

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 04, 2024 9:00 AM

Wellington comedian Hoani Hotene says he might look like an 'angry marshmallow' but Māori audiences have been 'unreal' to him and Pākehā have been 'down' with his reo Māori jokes.

What’s in an ingoa?

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 04, 2024 8:46 AM

We have a long way to go to get close to parity with honourable te reo Māori naming practices relating to public and public-facing buildings and locations. But he mihi nui ki Kāi Tahu for sharing their knowledge and allowing it to lead us into the future.

Culinary queen Raukura Huata shows off kai Māori one TikTok at a time

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 04, 2024 7:51 AM

From dining in fine restraunts to smoking pig brains in her back yard, Raukura Huata is using her social media platforms to encourage more whānau to be more adventurous.

Jordyn With A Why nominated at Aotearoa Music Awards

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 03, 2024 6:32 PM

The soulful singing from the Whāingaroa artist has been moving up in the charts and her nomination for "Te Manu Taki Māori o te tau" award at this year's Aotearoa Music Awards just proves how far she has come.

Kura Reo held in East Coast, Tokomaru

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 03, 2024 6:01 PM

Over the weekend a Kura Reo Taiao was held at Pākirikiri Marae In the East Coast, Tokomaru Bay.

New programme encouraging prison inmates to turn their lives around

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 03, 2024 5:32 PM

Ama Training Group is working together with inmates from Pāremoremo Prison, with the intent of helping them find employment upon their release. However, it's not only about upskilling but also about changing their lives in a positive way.

Mōtai Tangata Rau rule

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 03, 2024 12:12 PM

Ao Māori presenter Peata Melbourne said the Ngāti Raukawa group told stories of their ancestors in te reo Māori with excellence.

Māori music artist Stan Walker talks singing in his native tongue

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 02, 2024 12:14 PM

"When I first started out in Australia, my culture was kind of banned in terms of like the industry, because it wasn't seen as sellable, and they didn't understand it, so I wasn't allowed to be myself," Walker told HPR. "To be able to sing in my native tongue has been a journey. It's been a journey over the last 15 years of reclamation."

Kōrero podcast celebrates Māori culture

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 01, 2024 10:05 PM

"Whether you’re a fluent te reo Māori speaker or just starting your journey, Kōrero welcomes everyone to join the conversation and learn more about our beautiful language and heritage.”

Otago’s rebrand includes aim to be a Tiriti-led university by 2040

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 01, 2024 9:48 PM

This morning the University of Otago held a ceremony to launch a new reo Māori name and tohu that was made in collaboration with mana whenua Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou.

Song You Need to Know: Geneva AM, 'Pikipiki'

Posted by Hera Eparaima · May 01, 2024 1:33 PM

Geneva AM’s latest waiata, “Pikipiki”, kicks off with the deep, oceanic sound of a conch, summoning ancestral strength. With guest harmonies, it sets a lively tone for NZ Music Month / Te Marama Puoro o Aotearoa, celebrating local innovation and the power of te reo Māori.

Petone name change to Pito One under consideration by NZ Geographic Board

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 30, 2024 9:50 AM

The area was once a pā of Te Āti Awa but the traditional name was misspelt during colonial settlement.

Learning te reo 'good for mind and soul'

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 29, 2024 12:00 PM

It connects us with people for whom that language is important. If we have Māori ancestory it connects us with our family identity; if we have Pākehā ancestors, it connects us with those settlers way back who often needed to speak some Māori.”

Ariana Stevens wants te reo Māori to thrive

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 29, 2024 5:10 AM

Ariana Stevens founded Reo Māori Mai in 2018 to help people connect with te ao Māori through the reo. On Friday she was awarded Tū Rangatira, the supreme award at the Ngā Tohu Reo Māori awards.

Three prominent wāhine awarded lifetime achievement awards at Ngā Tohu Reo Māori 2024

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 27, 2024 9:52 AM

Kahurangi Rangimarie Naida Glavish DNZM. JP (Ngāti Whātua), Tini Molyneux (Ngāi Tūhoe) and Kuini Moehau Reedy (Ngāti Porou, Te Aitanga-a-Mate) won lifetime achievement awards.

‘Kanikani music with a kaupapa’: Māori artist Rei just dropped his new 'haka rap' song ‘Toitū’

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 26, 2024 5:57 AM

Tāmaki Makarau based singer/rapper Rei (Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Pākeha) premiered his new track ‘Toitū’ last night. It’s a reo rap/dance music song that’s about upholding the treaty and keeping the mana during times when the Māori culture seems at risk.

Cyber skills programme for tamariki recognised at Māori Language Awards

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 26, 2024 5:24 AM

A not-for-profit that is helping tamariki to be safe online is among those recognised at this year's Ngā Tohu Reo Māori (Māori Language Awards).

Kura students navigate path to entrepreneurship

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 23, 2024 8:24 AM

Approximately 50 students are participating in the Young Navigators seminar, aimed at nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit among Māori and Pasifika youth.

Stories of te taiao inspire Aro

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 23, 2024 8:21 AM

Bilingual folk duo Charles and Emily Looker have released their fourth album as Aro.

Digital projection replaces Te Papa’s defaced Treaty of Waitangi panel

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 23, 2024 2:26 AM

“Now what we’ve got is a five minute moving version, it walks people through first Governor Hobson’s draft, then the te reo Māori Treaty, and then Sir Hugh Kawharu’s 1988 version,” said museum co-leader Courtney Johnston.

My grandad told me not to learn te reo Māori – and who could blame him?

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 21, 2024 1:24 AM

Shamed and punished for speaking his native language, Grandad wanted to show Pākehā that he could succeed in their world.

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei names Emirates Team New Zealand’s new boat

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 19, 2024 7:29 AM

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei presented the name ‘Taihoro’ to the boat Emirates Team New Zealand will use in the 37th America’s Cup defense.

Te Matau a Māui waka hourua: Rangatahi carry the mantle after epic South Island voyage

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 19, 2024 7:26 AM

Coupled with a roaring haka from the shore, it was undoubtedly an emotional return to Ahuriri Napier for those on board the Te Matau a Māui waka hourua, the double-hulled voyaging canoe, with many young people having completed their first voyage.

Te reo Māori and Tamil unite in musical fusion

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 18, 2024 9:58 PM

Wilbur Sargunaraj was invited to Iramoko marae in Whakatāne where he recorded Whanaungatanga which consists of Tamil, English, and te reo Māori.

Nasa space project works with mātauranga Māori

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 18, 2024 7:33 AM

Harris said Māori groups have been advising the government for the past two years about their capacity and capability in the aerospace industry.

Here are the finalists for the 2024 Aotearoa Music Awards

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 18, 2024 4:29 AM

"We heard strong support for our continuing commitment to embed te ao Māori and te reo and to reflect the unique cultural identity of Aotearoa."

Blues players tackle te reo Māori to 'walk with mana'

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 17, 2024 10:45 PM

The classes are held over an eight-week period, and while the group have barely started, injured Blues fullback Zarn Sullivan says he wants to learn as much as possible and to know a little bit more about where he’s from.

Te Wehi Haka, Te Matatini alongside PM delegation on Asia tour

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 17, 2024 6:02 PM

Te Wehi Haka and Te Matatini executives are also apart of the PM’s business delegation who say its a great opportunity to expand the market of Kapa Haka to the world.

American artist brings Māori elements to her final concert

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 17, 2024 4:28 AM

The American artist performed her final concert in Auckland last night but before she left she sprinkled in some Māori elements through out.

'It's like going to church': The spiritual journey of tā moko

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 14, 2024 12:00 PM

The art form is alive again, but she says it’s a double-edged sword as she now feels a responsibility to continue making change “because Māori aren’t out of the woods” in terms of health statistics, “how we feel about ourselves, and how other people treat us”.

Māori ‘superpower’ brings movie magic to indigenous tongues

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 14, 2024 9:14 AM

Hone Heke descendent Steve Renata is using Kiwi technology to help revitalise Native American and Aboriginal languages, at a time when te reo is being chopped down politically in his own land.

Te tirohanga ā mua mō te reo Māori i Aotearoa e ai ki Te Manahau Morrison

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 14, 2024 8:59 AM

Ehara i te mea whakaohorere ko te tino whakataukī a Te Manahau, "Me ūpoko pakaru te karawhiu" e āhua whakapākehātia ana ki te "give it heaps" i kōrerotia e Rangitihi, ko tētahi o ōna tīpuna. Kei roto i tōna toto te hiahia kia whai oranga kore pereki.

Tamariki starry-eyed over waka hourua festival workshops

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 12, 2024 6:26 AM

Hundreds of tamariki are flocking to learn about waka hourua at the Te Hau Kōmaru National Waka Hourua Festival - which got underway on the weekend and runs through until Sunday - at Kaiteretere in Te Tau Ihu o te Waka a Māui, the top of the South Island.

Motorola new smartphones fully localised in te reo

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 11, 2024 8:40 AM

This first of its kind innovation extends beyond the ability to use Māori characters, into a broader CLDR (Common Language Data Repository) offering, meaning the user can select Māori language right from set up.

Adorable girl goes viral for sharing her incredible te reo Māori skills at just four years old

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 11, 2024 8:05 AM

Posted to her māmā Tina’s TikTok account, little Naia launches into a flawless mihi. Finishing with a wiri and a cheeky little grin at the end, we’re beyond proud of her

Six60 gigs at Far North marae to open ‘intimate’ Grassroots tour

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 10, 2024 8:47 AM

“We played one of our new songs which is in Māori… a new song of ours that we played for the first time last night called Kanikani,” bass player Marlon Gerbes said. “That went down a treat, I think it was the favourite song.”

Māori-owned book publishers win Bologna Prize: 'This is huge for us'

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 10, 2024 8:45 AM

Huia Publishers has been recognised for years of contribution to Māori storytelling.

Kais Education reaches finals of EdTech Awards with learning robot

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 10, 2024 8:10 AM

EdTech startup Kais Education is making waves with its AI-based learning robot, Kaibot, and online platform, both in the final stages of the EdTech Awards.

Waiata reo Māori gains popularity in mainstream radio

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 10, 2024 5:51 AM

Mai FM’s ‘Waiata Māori’ feature is making substantial progress in the waiata reo Māori space in Aotearoa, says the station.

Training course gives hope to workers made redundant in JNL shutdown

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 10, 2024 12:00 AM

“Getting back into te reo Māori and tikanga was something I hadn’t done since I was at school. It was quite nerve-racking at first but now I am used to it.”

Orpheus Choir to premier tribute piece to Māori Batallion

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 09, 2024 8:37 AM

E Kiwi E will be sung in te reo Māori by Orpheus Choir Wellington supported by a kapa haka group and a chorus of more than 100 tamariki drawn from schools around Wellington.

Polyfest a powerful vehicle for movement: Report

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 09, 2024 8:35 AM

Beyond the physical benefits, Polyfest had also become a powerful tool for rangatahi to claim their identity and heritage, and develop a sense of confidence.

Kapa haka ‘conditions intellectually disabled students’ bodies’ - music therapist

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 09, 2024 8:28 AM

Musician Dennis Kahui (Ngāti Ruanui, Ngā Ruahinerangi) and musical therapist teaches kapa haka students with diverse disabilities.

Aotearoa landscapes drawn using whenua pigment on tapa cloth

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 09, 2024 8:25 AM

“I just want to develop for myself, work on the language being Māori and Niue it is such a different space. We work in a way of duality but there are multitudes because our whakapapa goes on behind us and in front of us.

Real estate’s first te reo Māori signs: Agents blown away by the response

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 08, 2024 4:54 AM

Some of New Zealand’s first bilingual real estate signs have been rolled out across the country this month and it has left a lot of people asking why it hadn’t happened sooner.

Finally, a history of Māori journalism is on our shelves

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 07, 2024 5:37 AM

Kia Hiwa Rā! Māori Journalism in Aotearoa New Zealand, published by Huia, features the stories of working Māori journalists, the history of te reo Māori news and its role in te reo Māori revitalisation, the nuances of tikanga in news gathering, and more.

‘Beautifully restored’ Mātaatua Marae reopens in Rotorua

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 07, 2024 2:12 AM

'Mātaatua ki Rotorua Marae has served as a vital gathering place for generations.'

Putting rangatahi issues on the kapa haka stage

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 06, 2024 4:57 AM

“The rangatahi taking part in high school kapa haka competitions are aware of what’s going on with this government and want to see the world change.”

27 dual te reo Māori names set to swing for Māngere-Ōtāhuhu

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 05, 2024 6:13 AM

Twenty-seven parks and three libraries in the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu area will receive Māori names and narratives.

Te Reo Māori immersion courses are helping Māori reclaim their identity

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 05, 2024 6:03 AM

Benjamin believes that full Te Reo Māori immersion is an opportunity for all New Zealanders, not just Māori, to be a part of the nation’s larger journey of reconciliation between its peoples.

Te Mire Atu expands for overseas Cook Islanders to compete in 2025

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 04, 2024 6:14 AM

Cook Islands composers living in Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia will be invited to participate in the prestigious Te Mire Atu original Māori song composition event next year.

Māori language revitalisation at heart of Te Tauihu symposium

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 03, 2024 7:21 AM

Te Tauihu iwi have come together again in a bid to empower language revitalisation across the top of the South.

George Laking: a lifetime of revelations

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 03, 2024 7:15 AM

George now incorporates tikanga Māori in all of his work. He follows Māori health protocols considering the wairua (spiritual), hinengaro (psychological), tinana (physical) and whānau (extended family) dimensions.

More flax needed to meet big surge in demand for piupiu

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 03, 2024 7:13 AM

An expert weaver says that an increase in funding to haka groups has caused a great demand for piupiu.

Ka Whawhai Tonu: The Battle of Ōrākau finally told through the eyes of Māori

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 02, 2024 1:00 PM

“To fight on forever for their land, culture and language. This is a significant story for us as Māori, Pākehā, Pasifika and others to acknowledge, learn and unite.”

‘Endless’ opportunities at impressive new Manukura

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 02, 2024 8:19 AM

“First of all it aspires for excellence in everything it does. Excellence in academics, excellence in sport, excellence in te ao Māori.

What’s in a name?

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 02, 2024 7:44 AM

The Reverend Richard Taylor argued back in the 1800s that the name “New Zealand” was inappropriate for this country – and that a Māori name should be established in its place.

How kura kaupapa Māori work

Posted by Hera Eparaima · April 01, 2024 12:24 AM

Kura kaupapa Māori follow their own system which is different to the state school system. It’s a system which heavily focuses on whānau and self-development.

Paddle like a girl

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 31, 2024 8:23 AM

Our culture is always present when you’re doing waka ama. You’re learning karakia, and practising our reo, haka, waiata, and manaakitanga.

‘Great to be Māori together’: Whānau turn out in numbers for special tournament

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 31, 2024 8:02 AM

“In the pōwhiri and prize giving, you’ve got haka tautoko, you’ve got reo Māori being spoken by tamariki right up to the ends.

‘We are the mokopuna our tīpuna have been waiting for’

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 30, 2024 8:06 AM

“It’s around the reclamation of our reo, it’s around the reclamation of our rangatiratanga and where we feature in iwi entities and Māori entities moving forward, both on a regional and a national level.

Haere, Bub, haere

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 28, 2024 9:41 PM

In her final speech, Bub paid homage to Gerry Te Kapa Coates MNZM, the organisation’s first Māori president (2003-2004) and other colleagues who, like her, have advocated for greater recognition and use of te reo in the profession.

Law Commission says change needed to ease tikanga evidence into court

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 28, 2024 9:29 PM

The Law Commission wants changes to improve the way tikanga and mātauranga evidence is handled by courts.

Couple returns to uni to inspire tamariki and support community

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 28, 2024 9:15 PM

...Gaynor says it wasn’t until they had a mind shift and committed to the Ngāi Tahu strategy called Kotahi Mano Kāika, which supports and promotes the growth of Ngāi Tahu identity and te reo i te kāinga (language in the home), that they started speaking more te reo Māori at home.

Waka hourua to visit Te Tauihu in first-of-its-kind event

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 28, 2024 8:33 PM

The double-hull waka, replicas of the craft used for long-distance voyaging, will travel from Te Ika-a-Māui to Kaiteretere for Te Hau Kōmaru, a week-long festival.

Whakaata Māori celebrates 20 years of telling Māori stories

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 28, 2024 8:29 PM

"It's a symbol of Māori protest for the reinvigoration, for the normalisation of te reo Māori which traces its way back to [the] Māori language petition, and particularly the Māori language protest movement."

Stuff to use AI tech to increase te reo Māori articles

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 27, 2024 12:58 PM

Microsoft and Straker are combining human translation with artificial intelligence to help normalise te reo Māori on Stuff’s platforms.

Highest Māori in the world: Tino Rangatiratanga flag makes it to Mount Everest

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 27, 2024 5:52 AM

Matawhero Lloyd is encouraging others to take the flag to the summit. He hopes a delegation of Māori will come to Mount Everest to share Māori culture and language.

Hit UK DJ Fred Again signs off Aotearoa NZ tour with te reo Māori

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 27, 2024 5:29 AM

Fred Again last night offered a message in the final leg of his tour which he translated into the indigenous language of Māori.

Ngāi Tahu uses storytelling to prepare for future earthquakes

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 26, 2024 9:01 AM

Ngāi Tahu are weaving mātauranga Māori and their own creation stories with scientific knowledge to help boost earthquake preparedness.

‘M.O.K.O, Me Ora, Ka Ora’ - hundreds take part in Māori tattoo symposium

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 26, 2024 8:41 AM

They see moko as a powerful point of connection that brings people together in support of Māori art, Māori culture.

19 parks and places in Howick to receive Māori names

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 26, 2024 8:32 AM

Nineteen parks and places in the Howick area will receive Māori names, as part of Auckland Council’s commitment for te reo Māori to be seen, heard, spoken, and learnt.

Scholarship winners’ values align with 28 Māori Battalion

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 26, 2024 12:00 AM

Whānau, hapū and iwi gathered at the C Company Memorial House on Friday to celebrate the awarding of scholarships to Māori students and academics demonstrating characteristics that align with the values of the 28 Māori Battaltion.

Maiki Sherman appointed 1News Political Editor

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 25, 2024 5:31 PM

Maiki Sherman has been appointed the new TVNZ political editor, becoming the first wahine Māori to lead TVNZ’s political coverage.

Empowering Māori Language Learners: The Art of Correction

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 25, 2024 1:44 PM

This article explores nurturing correction strategies for a supportive learning environment, celebrating progress over perfection.

Waka hourua festival educating tauira on Polynesian navigation

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 25, 2024 9:31 AM

A waka houra festival is giving rangatahi the chance to learn about traditional migration and sailing.

‘This is our beautiful castle’: the stunning new buildings expressing Māori pride

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 25, 2024 8:23 AM

This is Taumata o Kupe, a new Māori meeting house and education centre for the Mahurehure community, and one of the brightest beacons of Aotearoa New Zealand’s burgeoning contemporary Māori architecture scene.

‘We have to protect it’: Conference celebrates revitalisation of te reo Māori

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 25, 2024 5:50 AM

The couple shared their story on the rewards and challenges of raising two-year-old Pari Turanga in te reo Māori during a workshop at Terea Te Waka, a two day conference held in Ōtautahi/Christchurch over the weekend.

'This being Māori thing ends now'

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 24, 2024 8:16 AM

I’ve had cousins say: “How would your nan feel about you studying the reo now?” And I don’t think I’m kidding myself when I say I think she’d be proud.

Far North mayor Moko Tepania will be on stage at kapa haka regionals

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 22, 2024 1:00 PM

A pōwhiri to welcome the 18 teams will be held today before the competition begins.

Corrella Shares Testament to Their Musicality, Live at Roundhead Studios

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 22, 2024 4:51 AM

Live At Roundhead Studios opens with the Te Reo Māori waiata ‘Raumati’, which was featured as part of the Waiata Anthems series in 2022.

Tipene Kapa-Kingi - Mātātoa; Merging Crossfit and Te Reo Māori

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 22, 2024 4:43 AM

I kōrero tahi mātou ki a Tipene Kapa-Kingi, e pā ana ki tā rātou kaupapa e hono ana i te whakapakari tinana me te reo Māori.

Pupils learning life skills from new programme

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 22, 2024 4:37 AM

Pupils were welcomed on to the grounds with a pōwhiri and then spent the day learning tikanga Māori, playing games in te reo, taking part in kapa haka as well having visits from Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) and police.

Solving racism: Mokopuna want te reo Māori compulsory in schools

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 21, 2024 9:25 AM

Both mokopuna Māori and mokopuna tauiwi (non-Māori) want learning of te reo Māori to be made compulsory from early childhood through to secondary school as a solution to end racism.

Fun facts about Te Matapihi Central Library

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 21, 2024 2:05 AM

Te Matapihi will showcase our taonga and special collections of mana whenua and subsequent settler communities’ heritage.

Māori festival directors hope to sustain indigenous art for future generations

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 20, 2024 6:56 AM

Newly appointed co-directors hope to showcase indigenous stories through the Tāwhiri Festival.

Mum and baby warm hearts with graduation moment

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 20, 2024 2:17 AM

“He deserves the diploma as much as I do because he attended all the classes with me in my puku,” she said.

Tāwhiri, Kaa Williams receive Honorary Doctorate

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 19, 2024 7:02 PM

Two stalwarts of te reo Māori have been honoured again. Tāwhiri and Kaa Williams receiving an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Auckland today for their contributions and efforts towards the language.

Māori AI expert Dr Karaitiana Taiuru shares his favourite whakataukī

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 19, 2024 8:24 AM

Dr Karaitiana Taiuru tells RNZ what his favourite whakataukī is and how it relates to his work and whānau.

CubaDupa gets the show on the road this weekend

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 19, 2024 8:21 AM

The two-day festival is a platform for performers from all genres including Māorioke encouraging everyone to sing in Te Reo Māori or blend Te Reo Māori into their favourite songs...

Ngāti Ōtara Marae hosts primary school from Niue

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 19, 2024 8:03 AM

Niue Primary School flies over from their homeland to participate in this year's 2024 ASB Polyfest.

Short film shot at Cape Palliser wins an award

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 19, 2024 8:03 AM

Billed as “a groundbreaking trilingual Kiwi film”, thanks to being the first instance of Urdu, te reo Māori and English being used together in an NZ film, the dramatic short draws on the history of sailors from India who served on Britain’s East Indian Company ships.

Bid to bring the world haka record home from France

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 18, 2024 5:31 AM

An estimated 10,000–15,000 are expected to perform the haka at Eden Park in September in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record.

Innovative stage version of famous Te Arawa tale warmly welcomed in Rotorua

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 16, 2024 5:41 AM

“It has been a dream of mine for the past 10 years now to gravitate together our pūrākau or stories with the use of introduced techniques and fuse into the world of theatre,” said artistic director Tanemahuta Gray said.

Translations and parallel texts

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 16, 2024 5:24 AM

Whether the translation (of children’s or adults’ books) is from English or other languages into Māori, or vice-versa, the availability of parallel texts offers great learning opportunities.

Ko te 30 tau o Te Rūnanga Nui o Ngā Kura Kaupapa Māori o Aotearoa

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 15, 2024 5:31 AM

Kei te hui anō ngā Kura Aho Matua ki Kaiwhaiki Marae, te wāhi i tū ai te hui tuatahi a Te Rūnanga Nui i te 1994.

Reviving Te Tikanga a Tohi

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 15, 2024 5:21 AM

The programme has been instrumental in enhancing participants’ confidence in practising tikanga and speaking te reo Māori, offering a supportive environment for both beginners and those with a more advanced understanding of Māori culture.

‘Excited’: Māori creative agency partners with global advertising agency

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 14, 2024 4:39 AM

The arrangement will also enable DDB Aotearoa to access te reo Māori and tikanga courses through Whare Creative’s “cultural uplift services”, as well as cultural development related directly to the media industry.

Inuit broadcaster encourages language revitalisation through short videos

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 13, 2024 5:33 AM

Indigenous leader in broadcasting Julie Grenier speaks on promoting their language.

Calls for world indigenous kapa haka event after African language similarity surprises

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 13, 2024 5:31 AM

Tiktok video shows sound similarities between te reo Māori and the Sesotho language.

Bright future for Irish language

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 13, 2024 4:42 AM

By combining grassroots activism with the media influence of the Indigenous Irish TV Network, momentum is building toward the preservation and flourishing of the Irish language .

Indigenous Arctic language broadcaster draws inspiration from Māori media

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 12, 2024 6:35 AM

Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK) Sámi Television chief executive Johan Ailo Kalstad says Māori have set the standard for indigenous language revitalisation.

Ten more kapa haka qualify for Te Matatini 2025

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 11, 2024 6:51 AM

Te Arawa and Te Kāhui Maunga held their events in Rotorua and Hāwera respectively with groups going all out on stage.

Patricia Grace’s Bird Child & Other Stories: ‘Not just refreshing, but revolutionary’

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 10, 2024 7:47 AM

The new short story collection from Patricia Grace shows why she's considered one of Aotearoa's greatest living writers.

‘Beautiful, hilarious’ journey brings te ao Māori to the big screen

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 10, 2024 6:51 AM

When Te Kohe Tuhaka first became an actor, it was rare to see anything to do with te ao Māori behind the scenes.

Making room for the reo

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 10, 2024 6:14 AM

“As life got harder and more things started cropping up, it was the reo that kept being put on the back burner — something I swore I wouldn’t do.” — Siena Yates on life after full-immersion reo learning.

Thomas Wynne: Reclaiming our reo Māori

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 09, 2024 7:10 AM

Who grew up thinking of themselves as half caste, quarter caste or part this part that but never the total sum of all of who we are, writes Thomas Tarurongo Wynne.

Māori linguists offer insights into te reo revitalisation

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 09, 2024 6:49 AM

Māori linguists have launched a special edition journal with insights for strengthening te reo Māori revitalisation.

Multi-million dollar plans for four new Tāmaki Makaurau marae

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 07, 2024 5:28 AM

Four new marae are being planned in Tāmaki Makaurau, with one in South Auckland going through planning, one in the city’s west winning resource consent, another out west planned and one for the North Shore.

Rangatahi band releases provocative new single

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 07, 2024 5:16 AM

Tangata Beats winner Te Whānau Puoro, hailing from Flaxmere College and Tamatea High School in Hawke's Bay releases 'Rise up'.

Parks and buildings across Auckland will have dual names and tell stories of Tāmaki Makaurau in te reo

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 07, 2024 5:13 AM

Fourteen local boards are supporting the 2020 Te Kete Rukuruku initiative, which will showcase the Māori history and stories of Tāmaki Makaurau.

Kura reo focused on normalising tikanga Māori in the environment

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 06, 2024 5:02 PM

The inaugural Kura Reo mō te Taiao has taken place in Rotorua, tasked with revitalising and normalising tikanga Māori outdoors.

The Convert: New Māori film premieres

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 05, 2024 6:32 PM

Māori film maker Lee Tamahori's new film The Convert premiered in Auckland last night. This historical drama features Hollywood actor Guy Pearce and Māori actress Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne.

New regional news service launches in Te Tai Tokerau

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 05, 2024 1:00 PM

Fenton described te kūkupa as a “kopuna platform”, which had been influenced by the legacies of Māori news trailblazers including Te Karere, Mana Māori Media, Ruia Mai and Waatea.

Indigenous Wāhine Leadership Wānanga focuses on Wāhine Entrepreneurship

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 04, 2024 6:21 AM

Wāhine were welcomed on to Te Kuirau Marae by hau kainga - Ngāti Turipuku / Ngati Te Roro o te rangi, giving the Indigenous Wāhine their first experience of pōwhiri, followed by whakawhānaungatanga.

Whānau hopes to inspire with Māori circus, Te Tangi a te Tūī

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 02, 2024 9:40 AM

Eleven-year-old Te Rongopai Curreen-Tukiwaho has never seen a Māori circus performance before. Now, he gets to perform in one.

Wāhine Māori shine at film and television awards

Posted by Hera Eparaima · March 01, 2024 2:38 AM

Broadcaster Mihingarangi Forbes was one of three Māori winners at the Women in Film and Television (WIFT) awards last night.

Pākehā asked to be aware as demand for te reo grows

Posted by Hera Eparaima · February 29, 2024 7:13 AM

Demand for Kura Reo and te reo Māori is growing and many non-Māori are lending their voices to the revitalisation of te reo.

Wikiti! Why you’ll see Maori words on your TV during Australia’s Test series

Posted by Hera Eparaima · February 28, 2024 4:56 PM

When the first batter is dismissed at Basin Reserve on Thursday, viewers will see a graphic that not only says “wicket” but also “wikiti”, the Maori translation of the term.

Revolutionary Te Reo Māori daily app debuts globally

Posted by Hera Eparaima · February 28, 2024 11:07 AM

Ōtautahi-based creative agency Not Another™ is launching a first-of-its-kind Slack app aimed at teaching millions of Slack users worldwide to speak Te Reo Māori.

Innovative new Kaitāia educational programme uses latest technology to teach history to rangatahi

Posted by Hera Eparaima · February 27, 2024 1:00 PM

Lasike said the launch marks the start of a unique journey where rangatahi will delve into the rich story of Tōhe, the visionary navigator whose legacy is embedded in the landscape of Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe.

Learning te reo as an adult: Tips for success

Posted by Hera Eparaima · February 25, 2024 6:19 AM

“If you want to learn to speak Māori, it’s not a case of merely learning a language and then you end up a reo speaker. Your identity changes too. It’s like you have to be reborn.”

Former All Black’s Ngāi Tahu roots call him south

Posted by Hera Eparaima · February 25, 2024 6:16 AM

Jones had always wanted to better himself and understand his iwi. The most “amazing” part of his journey so far had been learning the language.

A week long wananga about opera

Posted by Hera Eparaima · February 24, 2024 12:10 PM

In April New Zealand Opera will hold a week long wananga at Waikato University with an open invitation to Aotearoa's story tellers to embrace one of music's most challenging genres.

Stan Walker on ‘uncle Tāme Iti’, his Tūhoetana, tamariki and tunes

Posted by Hera Eparaima · February 24, 2024 7:38 AM

Stan Walker's first hit ‘Blackbox’ and his newest waiata ‘Māori Ki Te Ao’ sound like the work of two completely different artists. And in a way, they are.

L.A.B on new album, reo journey and upcoming tour

Posted by Hera Eparaima · February 23, 2024 1:43 AM

Vocalist Stuart Kora hints at the possibility of a reo Māori waiata soon and says he has been taking reo classes with his wife as a way to contribute to the language’s vitality and strength.

Hatupatu/Kurungaituku: A Forbidden Love that flies

Posted by Hera Eparaima · February 22, 2024 5:07 AM

Tanemahuta Gray’s production for Taki Rua, Hatupatu/Kurungaituku: A Forbidden Love, brings together the realms of aerial performance, traditional kapa haka and modern dance.

Kura reo courses sell out in minutes as demand grows

Posted by Hera Eparaima · February 21, 2024 11:07 AM

“By the end of that first kura reo, I remember it I was dreaming in te reo Māori. It was in Christchurch and I went up the street to get a break and buy a real coffee and I remember going into the shop and speaking Māori to the girl and not realising it.”

Chelsea Winstanley on the collapse of her marriage to Taika Waititi

Posted by Hera Eparaima · February 21, 2024 6:09 AM

Winstanley (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi) has been one of the driving forces behind te reo Māori versions of popular Disney movies like Moana, Frozen and The Lion King.

Dumplings and fried bread – there’s more than one way to celebrate a new year

Posted by Hera Eparaima · February 21, 2024 6:04 AM

Among those celebrating last year was Chinese author Song Lam, who attended festivals, handing out language cards that offered Chinese and English explanations for greetings in te reo Māori.

NZ's National Kiwi Hatchery just revealed the beautiful Te Reo name given to its 2500th chick

Posted by Hera Eparaima · February 21, 2024 4:24 AM

While it was a close vote, one name came out on top - Ātārangi, which is 'morning sky' in Te Reo.

NZ’s first-ever sports documentary in te reo Māori

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · February 20, 2024 7:11 PM

Ruamata: It’s More Than Hockey is about a little kura kaupapa Māori based in Rotorua taking on some of the biggest private schools in the country.

How Wellington is getting its macron on

Posted by Hera Eparaima · February 20, 2024 5:28 AM

It has taken just six years but Wellington streets are about to get a macron — to boost māramatanga in Māori as well as English.

Celebration of the spiritual power of Maori women coming to Victoria

Posted by Hera Eparaima · February 20, 2024 2:30 AM

“I feel very proud that I can create a vehicle for our reo (language) and our tikanga (customs). Our stories, our waiata (song). Our essence is being given the opportunity to be on the international stage.”

Taonga tākaro have new home in the Super 8 competition

Posted by Hera Eparaima · February 19, 2024 5:28 AM

Horohopu is one of the Taonga Tākaro making first apperance for a majority of students in the competition.

Bilingual blast for Indigenous lead match up

Posted by Hera Eparaima · February 16, 2024 1:43 AM

Sky Sport’s Māori strategy lead Kirstin Te Wao-Edmonds says over a third of New Zealanders enjoy rugby league, at least 20 percent of whom are Māori. She says the bilingual broadcast is a way to make te reo Māori accessible for all sports fans.

Award-winning theatre stalwarts bring circus theatre and kaupapa Māori to the stage

Posted by Hera Eparaima · February 15, 2024 10:36 AM

Two stalwarts in indigenous theatre and co-founders of Te Pou, the home of Māori theatre in Auckland, have won major awards recognising their contribution to the theatre industry.

Kapa haka grows in South Island region

Posted by Hera Eparaima · February 14, 2024 9:34 PM

Kapa haka teams in Te Tauihu o Te Waka a Māui are going from strength to strength as they prepare for next weekend’s regional competitions.

University of Otago appoints first Deputy-Vice Chancellor Māori

Posted by Hera Eparaima · February 13, 2024 1:00 PM

Jacinta Ruru has been appointed as the University of Otago's Deputy-Vice Chancellor Māori.

Exploring te reo Māori in a business context

Posted by Hera Eparaima · February 12, 2024 1:08 AM

Incorporating te reo Māori into business communication, whether verbal or written, is a way to normalise the language, support its revitalisation and foster a workplace culture that is inclusive, respectful and uniquely Māori, Komene says.

New kura's principal aiming for kids who stand proud and confident in both worlds

Posted by Hera Eparaima · February 10, 2024 1:00 PM

The Papakura principal wants students to feel comfortable in the Māori and Pākeha worlds.

Macrons added to street signs in Marlborough

Posted by Hera Eparaima · February 09, 2024 9:34 PM

Three years after agreeing to put macrons on more than a dozen incorrect te reo Māori street signs in Marlborough, most of them have been fixed.

‘Rere Atu Taku Poi!’ he pukapuka mō te iwi āniwaniwa mā te katoa

Posted by Hera Eparaima · February 08, 2024 9:34 PM

He pukapuka mā te hunga rangatahi takatāpui kāre e tino kaha ana te kite ana i ngā tāngata pērā i a rātau.

Far North council changes Māori name ahead of Waitangi Day

Posted by Hera Eparaima · February 05, 2024 4:40 AM

The council’s 35-year-old logo is being revamped to include the area’s traditional indigenous name Te Kaunihera o Te Hiku o te Ika.

Playing Favourites with Kiran Parbhu

Posted by Hera Eparaima · February 03, 2024 11:00 AM

A fourth generation Kiwi of Indian ancestry, Kiran came to fame when Maori language advocate Matai Rangi Smith praised his fluency of Te Reo. Kiran was captaining Matai's Air New Zealand flight at the time.

Te reo Māori version of Beds are Burning to be performed at West Auckland festival

Posted by Hera Eparaima · February 02, 2024 1:00 PM

Former Midnight Oil and indigenous rights activist Peter Garrett - who will headline the Waitangi @ Waititi concert in West Auckland - will also be unveiling a te reo version of the band’s biggest and most loved hit song, Beds are Burning.

Demand soars for kura reo

Posted by Hera Eparaima · February 01, 2024 11:45 PM

Independent Māori language revitalisation body Te Mātāwai is facing growing demand for kura reo. Chief executive Poia Rewi says it is investing in 61 kura reo this financial year 2023/2024 compared with 29 in 2022/23.

Rotorua gym introduces new “haka fit” membership

Posted by Hera Eparaima · February 01, 2024 6:06 PM

A gym membership programme for Te Arawa kaihaka has just started, as the preparation for their regional haka competition gets underway.

Microsoft’s Dan Walker creates AI as support for mātauranga Māori

Posted by Hera Eparaima · February 01, 2024 1:26 AM

The AI, named Te Rau o te Huia, a tribute to Walker’s nana, is knowledgable in south Taranaki mātauranga Māori It has the ability to name iwi, hapū and marae of the region.

‘Let's build our own gym’: The fitness studio where most of the trainers speak te reo Māori

Posted by Hera Eparaima · February 01, 2024 12:40 AM

The Movement, at its core, is a space created for Māori to feel comfortable, to use their reo for those who can and an opportunity for others to learn. Kaupapa Māori is central to everything the gym does.

Push for te reo Māori in South Wairarapa

Posted by Hera Eparaima · January 29, 2024 9:51 PM

South Wairarapa District Council is seeking the endorsement of a refreshed Māori Policy that will ingrain the use of te reo Māori within the organisation and community.

Whakataukī of the week: 'Everyone's got their own place'

Posted by Hera Eparaima · January 29, 2024 9:15 PM

Hospitality operator and te reo Maōri advocate Anton Matthews says his favourite whakataukī is about valuing people who work in the public eye just as much as those who work behind the scenes.

Waitakere Ranges walking track re-opened, ingoa Māori reinstated

Posted by Hera Eparaima · January 29, 2024 6:33 PM

Following six years of restoration work, the Cascade Kauri walking track was re-opened, with its original ingoa Māori - Te Piringa, being reinstated.

Bilingual Waitangi Day service a first for Eltham church

Posted by Hera Eparaima · January 27, 2024 1:00 PM

Central Taranaki Anglican missioner the Rev Paul Bowers-Mason says he and the Rev Vincent Nuku (Ngāti Ruanui) are looking forward to welcoming people of all denominations to the service at All Saints Church in Arakamu / Eltham.

We’ve made a conscious decision to put women at the forefront - Tina Karaitiana

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · January 25, 2024 1:00 PM

“We’ve made a conscious decision to actually put women at the forefront. so when people, manuhiri, come into Netball New Zealand’s whare, they will be greeted and welcomed by women,”

'We’re all learning together': Programme aims to encourage use of te reo Māori in classrooms

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · January 24, 2024 1:00 PM

About 70 per cent of the school's students identify as Māori.

Whakataukī of the Week with Dr Hinemoa Elder

Posted by Hera Eparaima · January 22, 2024 9:15 PM

Why can New Zealanders recall more lines from Shakespeare or Shel Silverstein than whakataukī - Māori proverbs?

Chelsea Winstanley named finalist in Women in Film and Television New Zealand Awards

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · January 18, 2024 7:51 PM

The Women in Film and Television New Zealand Awards group has announced finalists for this year’s ceremony.

Using Māori culture to connect with dog owners

Posted by Hera Eparaima · January 17, 2024 11:47 PM

A fluent speaker of te reo Māori, Te Atu Rangi joined the Animal Control Unit in November last year and is enjoying the new job.

Te reo takeaways

Posted by Hera Eparaima · January 15, 2024 10:20 PM

A new study from the University of Canterbury shows that non-Māori speakers can reliably distinguish Māori words from almost-words—which gives anyone wanting to learn the language a head start.

Theia / TE KAAHU

Posted by Hera Eparaima · January 15, 2024 11:45 AM

Alternative pop musician Theia is a fierce proponent of the revitalisation of Maori language and culture.

Ngahiwi Apanui-Barr: Discovering identity through reggae

Posted by Hera Eparaima · January 14, 2024 11:06 AM

His band Aotearoa regularly toured the country throughout the 80s and 90s. They were highly political, and played an important role encouraging people to embrace Te Reo and Maori culture at a time that wasn't as prevalent as it is today.

Janine Morrell-Gunn’s te reo triumph

Posted by Hera Eparaima · January 10, 2024 12:23 AM

Kiwi TV producer and businesswoman Janine explains how the birth of her first grandchild has changed her life.

PMN’s Summer Series: As te reo Māori use rises, can churches save Pacific languages from dying?

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · January 07, 2024 7:49 PM

Educators say the increase in te reo Māori should be an example for those wanting to revitalise Pacific languages.

The Language of Dance

Posted by Hera Eparaima · January 06, 2024 10:38 PM

That’s the aim of a series of workshops that’s being run by movement artist and reo speaker, Mapihi Kelland (Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Kahungunu, Syrian).

Aro translates mātauranga Māori into music

Posted by Hera Eparaima · January 06, 2024 1:17 AM

He Rākau, He Ngārara will be Aro’s fourth body of work and is based on research into kōrero tuku iho (oral tradition) from Charles Looker’s iwi and hapū about native trees, insects and reptiles.

Ko te reo Māori te tino kai a Domino’s

Posted by Hera Eparaima · January 03, 2024 11:00 PM

“Domino’s team members who feel comfortable conversing in te reo will now also wear Reo Māori pins in-store to promote public, everyday usage of the language."

'The rock of our Te Arawa kapa haka': Mourners pay tribute to poi expert

Posted by Hera Eparaima · January 03, 2024 1:00 PM

Ngamoni Huata was a poi expert who will be missed for her knowledge and guidance.

Ōtautahi Live: Ngā Reo Tīoriori

Posted by Hera Eparaima · January 01, 2024 11:50 AM

Ngā Reo Tīoriori bring you a set of their recordings and chat about their music with RNZ engineer Alex Harmer.

Letty Brown: ‘It Starts In The Home’

Posted by Hera Eparaima · December 31, 2023 11:00 PM

Ereti ‘Letty’ Brown of Ngāti Porou and Te Whānau ā Apanui is now an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

Te Matahaka: Five notable gems from Te Matatini 2023

Posted by Hera Eparaima · December 30, 2023 11:25 PM

Over the next few weeks, Te Karere is profiling a different kapa haka as part of their special summer series on Te Matatini.

Dr Hana O’Regan uplifted by ‘inspiring response’ to government’s policies impacting te reo Māori

Posted by Hera Eparaima · December 30, 2023 11:00 PM

Dr Hana O’Regan’s (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha) contribution to the revitalisation of te reo Māori and education over 30 years has been recognised in the New Year Honours.

Meet Perseus Ngapera: The Weet-Bix kid ‘kickstarting’ his reo Māori journey and first Kids TRYathlon

Posted by Hera Eparaima · December 24, 2023 11:00 PM

Hawke’s Bay 11-year-old Perseus Ngapera (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāpuhi) is confident he will have lots of whānau support when he takes part in his first Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon in Hastings in February.

Ngahiwi Apanui | Te Taura Whiri I Te Reo Māori Chief Executive

Posted by Hera Eparaima · December 22, 2023 11:09 PM

Reflecting on a great year for Te Reo Māori and its current growth.

Waihorotiu story revealed in urban park design

Posted by Hera Eparaima · December 22, 2023 1:00 PM

A second part of the project will open in March allowing visitors to interact with the art karaoke-style by singing waiata from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei composers Tarumai Kerehoma, Moeahi Kerehoma and Tuirina Wehi.

Port of Auckland celebrates first te reo Māori graduates

Posted by Hera Eparaima · December 22, 2023 1:00 PM

Pepeha, sentence structures, waiata and karakia made up the core of the curriculum.

Broadcaster Oriini Kaipara leaving TV3 to take up Olympic role

Posted by Hera Eparaima · December 21, 2023 1:00 PM

Kaipara is the committee’s new pouwhiringa Māori cultural lead, helping guide the organisation, teams and athletes with her specialist reo, tikanga and wairua skills.

Māori activist Te Matahiapo Safari wins Amnesty International award

Posted by Hera Eparaima · December 19, 2023 10:40 AM

Te Matahiapo Safari Hynes wants to create new online resources that inspire and inform.

Up to Speed with Te Reo Māori: Stacey Morrison looks at words in education

Posted by Hera Eparaima · December 18, 2023 1:00 PM

In this episode, we'll explore words related to mātauranga - education and knowledge.

Whakawhetai Gratitude author Hira Nathan’s plans for a mindfulness journal for tamariki

Posted by Hera Eparaima · December 17, 2023 11:00 PM

You might already have a copy of his bilingual gratitude journal, now Hira Nathan is collaborating with a friend on a special journal for 8 to 10-year-olds.

New Zealander of the Year

Posted by Hera Eparaima · December 17, 2023 10:42 AM

“My reo journey is one of constant conflict. There are times when the reo just flows out of me, from a place that I believe lies somewhere both within and beyond myself. Then there are times I can’t even string a basic sentence together.” — Tīhema Baker.

Weekly Te Reo Māori Quiz: Rāhoroi, Tīhema 16

Posted by Hera Eparaima · December 16, 2023 1:00 PM

Test your kupu knowledge with our te reo Māori quiz.

Tik Tok’s ‘top live creator’ encourages aspiring rangatahi to create content

Posted by Hera Eparaima · December 13, 2023 9:26 PM

“I really wanted to have a go and you can only do that on TikTok,” he says. “That led to people asking questions about te Ao Māori and te Ao Moko.”

‘Auckland is Ngāpuhi’ - iwi event organiser

Posted by Hera Eparaima · December 13, 2023 8:58 PM

The annual event will host well over 1,000 Ngāpuhi descendants in Manukau where whānau will learn waiata, haka, and the history of their iwi.

Up To Speed With Te Reo: Stacey Morrison explains types of hui - NZ Herald

Posted by Hera Eparaima · December 13, 2023 1:00 PM

Explaining large iwi events and hui you may hear of but aren't exactly sure what they are.

Māoridom mourns the loss of a great servant

Posted by Hera Eparaima · December 12, 2023 1:00 PM

“As in the great traditions of Uncle Jack Wihongi, Uncle Wikuki Kingi, Uncle Bob Jackson, all of whom were fluent Māori speakers, born in their rural tribal homelands, they became champions for the second great migration of Māori peoples into the urban areas."

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