Inspiring Stories Blog

Welsh and Māori languages use music as a tool for revitalisation

Posted by Hera Eparaima · November 22, 2023 1:00 PM

Māori musicians are on song with Welsh music producers.

Te ingoa wāhi roa katoa i te ao

Posted by Hera Eparaima · November 21, 2023 7:24 PM

I mōhio rānei koe kei Aotearoa te ingoa wāhi roa katoa i te ao? Āe, e pono mārika ana tēnei, me te aha, kei te reo Māori hoki taua ingoa rā.

Petone to Pito-one name change gets backing from Hutt City Council

Posted by Hera Eparaima · November 21, 2023 2:10 AM

Pito-one became Petone following colonial settlement in the 19th century, a misspelling of the area's traditional name. Now, it may change back.

Whakatū Marae urges council to rename ‘colonial’ Founders Heritage Park

Posted by Hera Eparaima · November 21, 2023 2:02 AM

In August, Whakatū Marae komiti chairperson Jane du Feu (Te Atiawa) wrote to the council urging it to “consider changing the name of the park to one that better acknowledges and respects the rich and cultural history of the region”.

Far north iwi gather for inaugural Te Hiku Maiangi o Muriwhenua festival

Posted by Hera Eparaima · November 21, 2023 1:58 AM

Kaiako Ngaire Tauhara-White says one of the main themes was for those outside of the rohe living to return to their marae to learn their histories.“Ko tētahi atu ko te ako i ngā kōrero, i ngā hītori o te kāinga, ka waiata hōu hoki.”

Māori art awards: Theater and film actor Rangimoana Taylor wins Supreme Award

Posted by Hera Eparaima · November 11, 2023 2:20 AM

Ngā Taonga Toi a Te Waka Toi Awards recognises the depth and wealth of Aotearoa's Māori artists.

Barber Shop Sessions to highlight Northland talent

Posted by Hera Eparaima · November 10, 2023 5:58 AM

Barber Shop Sessions is a six-part music documentary series featuring intimate live recorded waiata sessions by a new wave of rangatahi Māori artists from the North.

Helping to revitalise Moriori culture

Posted by Hera Eparaima · November 09, 2023 7:37 AM

Rēkohu musician Ajay Peni is bringing traditional Moriori songs into contemporary times.

Māori musicians mentor Mānoa students in contemporary song compositions

Posted by Hera Eparaima · November 07, 2023 1:00 PM

The award-winning Hawaiian Theatre program brought in guest artists from Aotearoa (New Zealand) to help students compose songs.

Te Whakamāori i ngā Kiriata Disney

Posted by Hera Eparaima · November 07, 2023 6:13 AM

Kei te mōhio rānei koe e whā (ka rima ākuanei) ngā kiriata Disney kua whakamāoritia? Engari, ko wai te tangata tuatahi i whakamāori i tētahi kiriata Disney?

‘Not a win for the All Blacks but it was a win for te reo Māori’

Posted by Hera Eparaima · November 04, 2023 1:06 AM

Nearly 100,000 people tuned into the te reo commentary of the Rugby World Cup, across Sky Sport and Sky Sport Now.

School haka trophy Tamaki Makaurau bound

Posted by Hera Eparaima · November 03, 2023 7:13 AM

Te Kapa Puāwai is heading home to Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hoani Waititi with the Poutoko o Te Whenua, the trophy from the national primary schools kapa haka, in it luggage.

Support for tourist village to restore ‘most beautiful name’

Posted by Hera Eparaima · November 03, 2023 2:16 AM

An iwi bid to change the name of National Park back to Waimarino has been accepted by the Ngā Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa NZ Geographic Board.

TupuOra offers Māori tutoring programme for kura and wharekura

Posted by Hera Eparaima · November 01, 2023 7:42 AM

Tuku Marumaru is a personalised tutoring programme matching kaiako and specialist tutors with ākonga in years 7-13 at kura kaupapa and wharekura who want to level up on their reo and mātauranga.

Kapa haka teacher recognised for inspiring rangatahi

Posted by Hera Eparaima · November 01, 2023 6:30 AM

Ed Te Moana is a study in pride, dedication and talent. "It's incredibly humbling."I just want my students to know they are worthy, feel empowered and realise they can conquer anything at school, at home and in the community."

Primary school kapa haka contest Te Mana Kuratahi kicks off in Nelson

Posted by Hera Eparaima · October 30, 2023 3:53 AM

More than 1500 kapa haka performers from primary schools across Aotearoa are performing at a national competition in Whakatū Nelson this week.

Kia Hiwa Rā! quiz show 'Brain Busters' coming in te reo Māori

Posted by Hera Eparaima · October 18, 2023 6:33 AM

Move over Lucky Dip, the kids are coming to town in BRAIN BUSTERS reo Māori, presented by co-hosts, Ahikāroa star Turia Schmidt-Peke, popular TV personality Sonny Ngatai and the “O.G.” Brain Buster himself, Chris Kirk.

Māori sports app shares veteran broadcaster's vast dictionary

Posted by Hera Eparaima · October 17, 2023 1:10 PM

After decades of collecting te reo Māori words for sports terms, sports commentator Hemana Waaka discovered he'd come up with something like an encyclopedia. The 77-year-old is sharing his knowledge via the new Māori sports dictionary app Ipurangi Pāmamao.

The role of English-medium schools in revitalising Te Reo Māori

Posted by Hera Eparaima · October 17, 2023 6:29 AM

To truly put Te Tiriti at the heart of our education system, English-language schools must support Te Reo Māori revitalisation.

Tamaiti akona ki te kāinga, tūngia ki te ao, tau ana

Posted by Hera Eparaima · October 11, 2023 11:27 PM

Ko tētehi o ngā tino hua o ngā tau e 25 nō te mokotanga o te kokoraho a Ngāi Tahu ko te puāwaitanga o tētehi whakatipuranga e tū māia ana i roto i tō rātou Kāi Tahutanga.

Bilingual voting booths set up to entice Māori to vote

Posted by Hera Eparaima · October 11, 2023 6:18 AM

Fifteen bilingual voting booths, also known as Kaupapa Māori locations, are being stood up around the country to help get more Māori voting. Voting place manager Kanewa Harrison revealed they’ve had an influx of new enrolments and voters, from rangatahi to kaumātua.

Taupō teacher a real good sort

Posted by Hera Eparaima · October 10, 2023 1:00 PM

A local teacher has been recognised for doing it all, from kapa haka to teacher training.

ARAHI and Te Tokotoru release new single - Te Hekenga

Posted by Hera Eparaima · October 10, 2023 1:22 AM

‘Te Hekenga’ speaks of a new generation of Māori, coming through and navigating our tikanga in a modern world.

One year scholarship awarded at Te Wānanga o Raukawa Open Day

Posted by Hera Eparaima · October 09, 2023 6:42 AM

"He hiahia nōku ki te mau ki ngā whakaakoranga me ngā mōhiotanga katoa e eke ai au ki ngā tihi taumata, ka mutu, kia riro i ngā tamariki ngā painga huhua o tēnei ao.”

AI helps Kiwis engage with te reo Māori by watching TV

Posted by Hera Eparaima · October 06, 2023 10:32 PM

Media intelligence company Isentia is introducing AI-powered tools to help Kiwis watch te reo Māori content on TV.

Reo Māori Debate In Whangārei Celebrates Mahuru Māori

Posted by Hera Eparaima · October 06, 2023 2:28 AM

A huge effort by Te Kupenga Reo to host several te reo Māori events across September in celebration of Mahuru Māori with the final event on Saturday the 30th in Whangārei.

‘Ancient wisdom of sand art’ a feature of free resource for te reo Māori learners

Posted by Hera Eparaima · October 05, 2023 1:25 AM

Te Onekura's a 12-part video series that combines oneone art and kōrero between a koro and his mokopuna to support ākonga at all levels of their reo journey.

Four Square launches te Reo Māori shopping app Rārangi Kai

Posted by Hera Eparaima · October 04, 2023 10:01 PM

The best Te Wiki o te Reo Māori projects are the ones that exist all year round, like Four Square’s Rārangi Kai app, in collaboration with RUN and FCB Aotearoa.

Limited Edition Release For Summer

Posted by Hera Eparaima · October 04, 2023 4:22 PM

Now in its eighth year, this year's L&P summer edition will feature English and te reo Māori together on the same can for the first time.

Te reo Māori focus of child centre study

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 29, 2023 11:30 PM

A new University of Otago study has emphasised how important early childhood educators are in preserving and promoting te reo Māori in English.

‘It helps our tamariki grow in their responsibilities’

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 29, 2023 1:00 PM

The environment and Māori identity hot topics among rangatahi at Ngā Manu Kōrero.

South Taranaki council takes on local te reo Māori styles

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 27, 2023 1:00 PM

STDC’s Reg Korau said using local versions of te reo built trust with iwi and hapū.

Hundreds gather to farewell Māori leader Sir Patu Hohepa

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 26, 2023 11:23 PM

Tā Patu Hohepa, who died at his South Hokianga home on Friday, aged 87, was a leading authority on te reo Māori, genealogy and linguistics.

We are developing people who are knowledgeable in history

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 26, 2023 1:00 PM

Efforts by Ngāti Whātua to revive the Māori language and customary practices among iwi members are paying off in Auckland and Kaipara.

Ngā Manu Kōrero ‘fantastic’ for rangatahi and wider Ngāi Tahu community

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 19, 2023 2:20 AM

“This event is a fantastic opportunity not only for rakatahi but for our wider community,” says Paulette Tamati-Elliffe, the manager of Kotahi Mano Kāika - the iwi strategy to revigorate te reo Māori within Ngāi Tahu homes - at Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu.

Mahuru Māori: Month for speaking te reo returns for 2023

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 16, 2023 2:17 AM

Mahuru Māori, the month-long kaupapa aiming at normalising te reo in everyday situations is back for 2023.

Interest in learning te reo Māori grows amid goal for one million speakers

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 15, 2023 2:11 AM

Demand for te reo courses has surged over the past few years, but teachers and students still face some challenges.

Actor Miriama McDowell pauses career to learn te reo Māori

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 14, 2023 2:10 AM

Playing a prominent Māori leader on screen has prompted successful Kiwi actor Miriama McDowell to turn her back on her career in favour of learning te reo Māori.

How Māori are keeping te reo flourishing overseas

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 14, 2023 2:07 AM

With podcasts, online classes, kapa haka and kōhanga reo all around the world, whānau living overseas are doing their best to keep te wiki o te reo Māori thriving.

Kiri Dell: Te reo Māori as a vehicle for decolonising the nation

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 13, 2023 1:00 PM

As we progress our te reo Māori aspirations for the country, we are also opening up big conversations around how we can decolonise our nation.

Tearepa Kahi: 'I want to normalise te reo Māori'

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 13, 2023 2:00 AM

The director of Muru, New Zealand's highest grossing film of 2022, says it has helped normalise and showcase the unique te reo Māori dialect spoken by the people of Tūhoe.

Kruze Tangira: 'I now feel more confident about being Māori'

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 12, 2023 1:56 AM

Two years ago, Kruze Tangira could only read his pepeha off his phone. Now he's building a new career as a TV presenter on daily Māori news show Te Karere.

Embracing te reo Māori in early childhood education

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 11, 2023 11:35 PM

NZTC graduate, Raewyn Moke, showcases the importance of te reo Māori inclusion in an ECE environment.

TVNZ's specials for Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week) this year

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 11, 2023 8:48 PM

TVNZ celebrates Māori Language Week 2023 with exciting programs, including Moko The World and Origins Season Two.

Rising star reporter loves telling stories through te ao Māori lens

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 11, 2023 1:00 PM

The Hui's D'Angelo Martin was once told he'd never go far with te reo Māori.

Why did I want to learn reo Māori, despite being a Pākehā?

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 11, 2023 1:00 PM

Irishman Jim Mahoney explains why he learnt the language of the land.

Māori Language Week: Looking ahead to Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori in Hawke's Bay

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 11, 2023 1:00 PM

Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, Māori language week, has gone “from strength to strength” according to Ngāti Kahungunu iwi chairman Bayden Barber, as the region prepares to celebrate this year.

Te wiki o te reo Māori, September 11-18 2023

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 11, 2023 6:00 AM

Ko tōku reo tōku ohooho, ko tōku reo tōku māpihi maurea | My language is my awakening, my language is the window to my soul. Dr Tīmoti Kāretu.

With a name comes a kaupapa: The history of Māori names of significance in Feilding

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 11, 2023 5:13 AM

Many of the te reo names in Feilding and the surrounding area can be traced back to how Māori settled in the area and their early ways of life.

First flag flying high as Upper Hutt school marks Te Wiki o te Reo Māori

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 11, 2023 3:35 AM

Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori language week) is off to a flying start at St Joseph’s Catholic School (Te Kura Katorika o Hāto Hohepa) with the school raising the Tino Rangatiratanga for the first time on its new flagpole.

Te reo Māori inspires Native American to save her own indigenous language from extinction

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 11, 2023 2:15 AM

Experiencing the revitalisation of te reo Māori in Aotearoa is inspiring a Native American scholar battling to save her own indigenous language from extinction.

Kei te ora te reo Māori i Ngāti Raukawa

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 10, 2023 5:10 AM

Hai tā te Kaipāpāhō i ‘Te Reo Irirangi o Te Upoko o te Ika’ hai tā Manahi Te Hiakai Gardiner kua whanake pai te iwi o Ngāti Raukawa mō te taha ki ngā mahi whakaora reo.

Blending the wine world with te ao Māori

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 10, 2023 5:08 AM

Māori are involved in all aspects of production, from what's in the bottle to the bottle itself.

He whakamāori i ngā tini āhuatanga o te ao ‘Shortland St’ mai, tohutaka ‘Bic Mac’ mai anō hoki

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 10, 2023 5:02 AM

Hai tā Kimo Houltham, Kaiwhakataki i ‘Whakamāori’ he hōtaka tēnei hai whakawhānui ake i te tirohanga, hai whakawhānui hoki i te whakaaro ki tēnei mea te whakamāori.

South Canterbury set to celebrate Te Wiki o te Reo Māori with host of events

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 10, 2023 4:25 AM

As the country prepares to celebrate one of its official languages, the principal of South Canterbury’s bilingual primary school says the celebrations are a testament as to how far the country has come.

Shortland Street set to chill with new te reo theme song

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 10, 2023 4:23 AM

For the first time in its 31 years on air, the Hoterini Huanui (Shortland Street) theme will be a little different.

11 people share why they’re learning te reo Māori

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 10, 2023 4:03 AM

The reasons people choose to learn te reo Māori run deep, especially when the disappearance of the language is linked to a history of dislocation. But more and more New Zealanders are now taking up the challenge.

Want to support te reo Māori? Learn about colonisation

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 10, 2023 4:02 AM

“The notion that Māori are responsible for our own language decline is a convenient argument. It absolves the Crown of its responsibilities to make right its many wrongs.” — Awanui Te Huia.

Te reo Māori teacher Hēmi Kelly finds meaning in the language of birds

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 10, 2023 3:58 AM

I didn't grow up speaking te reo Māori. I learned it as a second language through school and various language learning programmes. In attending courses, I found my Māori-speaking community, my friends who allowed me space to learn and practise together.

Singer Riiki Reid on her new Waiata with Muroki - Kārewa

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 09, 2023 3:45 PM

It's Waiata Anthems week - and Raglan based Kenyan/NZ musician Muroki and Ngāti Porou singer RIIKI REID have teamed up to record their first original composition in te reo Māori – A heartfelt waiata for those going through a tough time.

Toi Māori Arts take centrestage this weekend

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 08, 2023 1:00 PM

The latest from Creative Waikato is a vibrant showcase of Toi Māori arts and culture: the Toi Maaori ki Kirikiriroa Waananga which includes a two-day artist wānanga of learning and sharing on September 8-9.

Decorative art exhibition a show for all ages

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 08, 2023 1:00 PM

With next week being Te Wiki o te Reo Māori it seems a good opportunity to consider this heru in terms of its name and the language used to describe it.

PB Tech launches Te Reo Māori Keyboard

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 08, 2023 4:41 AM

PB Tech has unveiled a te reo Māori keyboard with the support of Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori – Māori Language Commission and Te Puni Kōkiri, the government’s principal policy advisor on Māori wellbeing and development.

Reo champions Tāwhirimātea, Kaa Williams honoured

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 08, 2023 3:56 AM

The husband-and-wife duo have served at least 50 years within the education sector, fostering a generation of Māori speakers during a time when such a thing was unheard of.

An Open Letter to Aotearoa ahead of Māori Language Week 2023

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 08, 2023 2:29 AM

I thought long and hard about how to respond to the cries from some to limit our language. Their cries aren’t new, they’re as old as New Zealand. But how we respond to them has changed.

Moriori call for official week to celebrate indigenous language

Posted by Hera Eparaima · September 07, 2023 4:46 AM

Moriori, who are the original inhabitants of Rēkohu, the Chatham Islands, want to revitalise their language, showcase traditions and debunk commonly held myths.

Learn te reo Māori and shop

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 06, 2023 9:48 PM

In a region with the most te reo Māori speakers in the country, Mike Turney and his team at Four Square Tokomaru Bay in Gisborne feel it's important to stay connected with the local community and encourage people to speak te reo whenever the opportunity presents itself.

Shane Taurima to lead Whakaata Māori for a further term

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · August 30, 2023 9:43 PM

Shane Taurima (Rongomaiwahine, Ngāti Kahungunu) has been reappointed Whakaata Māori kaihautū (chief executive) for another five-year term.

Ngā Taupānga Reo Māori

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · August 28, 2023 8:09 PM

Anei ētahi tauira hei tirotiro māu, hei whāki atu rānei ki ngā hoa e ngana nei pea ki te whakapakari ake i ō rātou mōhiotanga ki te reo.

Iconic Edmonds cookbook translated into Māori

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · August 28, 2023 1:39 AM

The Edmonds brand has been a kitchen staple in homes across the country for well over a century. Now, a version of the children's My First Cookbook is set to be available in te reo Māori.

Actress Jennifer Ward-Lealand to join Māori Language Commission

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · August 23, 2023 9:30 PM

Acclaimed actress and film producer Jennifer Ward-Lealand is set to be a new addition to Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori, the Māori Language Commission.

Ngā Kēmu Reo Māori

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · August 22, 2023 8:09 PM

Kei te kimi rānei koe i ētahi kēmu pārekareka i roto i te reo Māori hei tākaro tahi me tō whānau, me ō hoa?

Māori tertiary providers and kura kaupapa win increased flexibility, autonomy

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · August 17, 2023 12:00 PM

Māori tertiary education providers have long argued for a change of law for more independence to reflect the way they operate and work with iwi. Their role has finally been recognised in an amendment to the law, as well as the unique role they play in the education system.

Demand soars for Ngāti Kahungunu te reo Māori symposium - director

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · August 14, 2023 4:53 AM

1200 tickets for the two-day event in Hastings were snapped up within hours.

Bilingual pukapuka takes top prize at Children’s Book Awards for the first time

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · August 11, 2023 4:49 AM

For the first time a bilingual book has taken out the top prize at the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults.

Global call to protect indigenous languages by law

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · August 09, 2023 5:40 AM

To mark International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, we are releasing the address given by Māori Language Commissioner Professor Rawinia Higgins to the United Nations General Assembly in December 2022.

Te Matatini gifts a trilingual waiata to New Zealand Rugby

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · August 05, 2023 6:18 AM

When the All Blacks face off against Australia in their Bledisloe Cup clash this afternoon they will be armed with a waiata which is a celebration of haka, music and language.

What wānanga means to Māori

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · August 02, 2023 6:38 AM

Essentially, it's a method of sharing and acquiring knowledge in a uniquely Māori way.

36 years of te reo Māori as an official language

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · August 01, 2023 6:46 AM

The first thing the inaugural board of the Māori Language Commission did when it met for the first time was to change its name to a Māori one: Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori.

Shaneel Lal: Bilingual signs are here to stay

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · July 23, 2023 12:00 PM

Opinion: Confusion, misunderstanding, racism is no defence for opposing them.

Introducing the first Te Tohu Paerua o Te Reo Kairangi graduates

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · July 21, 2023 6:34 AM

The first masters of Māori language have graduated from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, Te Reo Kairangi programme.

Letting their creativity flow into ‘The River’

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · July 21, 2023 6:24 AM

Karehana believes more te reo Māori media can showcase the culture.

Matariki 2023: Kiwis come together to celebrate, reflect

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · July 14, 2023 6:35 AM

People have gathered around the country for the second official Matariki public holiday.

Te Hiku tests reo tools for disabled

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · July 12, 2023 10:25 PM

Te Hiku Media and TalkLink Trust are doing a Te Puni Kokiri-funded feasibility study on whether they can create a synthetic reo Māori voice for use in the devices used by tāngata whaikaha Māori who have difficulties in the production or comprehension of language.

Matariki: Kids to greet travellers in te reo at Auckland Airport

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · July 12, 2023 12:10 AM

Children speaking te reo will greet travellers as they arrive and depart from Auckland Airport on Matariki.

New branding for University of Otago

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · July 11, 2023 10:27 PM

For the first time in 154 years, the University of Otago will substantially change its brand.

Rising stars: Te Aorere Pewhairangi and Kimiora Kaire-Melbourne

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · July 06, 2023 12:00 PM

Media producers are proof learning in te reo Māori can be a springboard to great career.

Artificial intelligence revives Māori dialects

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · July 06, 2023 5:00 AM

Aaron Smale reports on how artificial intelligence may provide a way for Māori to learn the dialects of their grandparents.

Māori and Moriori place names maps launched

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · July 04, 2023 6:26 AM

The New Zealand Geographic Board has launched a new set of tangata whenua place names maps as they were prior to European settlement.

Watch: 'Love and respect' - Conversation in te reo Māori and Mandarin goes viral

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · June 22, 2023 12:00 PM

'An example of what is possible if we open our hearts and minds'

Does everyone have a right to learn te reo Māori? | 2 Cents 2 Much

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · June 19, 2023 12:00 PM

The revitalisation of te reo Māori is well underway and more and more New Zealanders are (re)learning the language.

We lose our languages, we lose who we are

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · June 18, 2023 5:54 AM

Pacific peoples, including Māori, are bound not just by ocean but by their languages, says Ngahiwi Apanui, the chief executive of Te Taura Whiri i te Reo.

Simplest mistakes can make you feel 'less-than' as a Māori – language commission chair

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · June 18, 2023 5:00 AM

Māori Language Commission chairperson Rawinia Higgins speaks about the agony and identity of learning your true first language on your second time round.

How will ChatGPT affect te reo Māori?

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · June 14, 2023 10:06 PM

Te reo Māori and data sovereignty experts are raising another red flag about artificial intelligence - ChatGPT might be getting just a little too good at te reo.

Impressive young orators push important topics at Ngā Manu Kōrero

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · June 13, 2023 8:33 AM

Students spoke impressively in te reo Māori and English at the Manawatū Horowhenua Ngā Manu Kōrero speech competition at The Regent on Broadway on Monday.

Pacific language leaders seek action plan for indigenous development

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · June 13, 2023 3:18 AM

More than 300 Pacific language experts will gather in Auckland this week for the first Pacific languages conference, Koloa. They are set to honour tangata whenua for their leadership with te reo Māori revitalisation in Aotearoa.

Ngāti Porou influence in Coco translation

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · June 12, 2023 10:43 AM

Producer Tweedie Waititi says there are whakapapa links between Spain and Ngati Porou which are coming into play in a te reo Māori version of the Pixar animated film Coco.

40 hours of te reo - a rangatahi's goal

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · June 09, 2023 12:00 PM

Hemi Pinfold Whanga is not fluent but will take on the daunting reo challenge for charity.

Whanganui school staff back in class for te reo programme

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · June 09, 2023 5:02 AM

Staff from five Whanganui schools have been on the other side of the classroom participating in a Ministry of Education programme to boost te reo Māori in schools. The purpose of the programme was to develop the use of te reo in communities.

Reclaiming Rutene: How a name helped a photographer find his home

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · June 09, 2023 5:00 AM

After ditching his ingoa Māori at the beginning of his career, photographer Zico O’Neill-Rutene is now in a process of reclaiming that part of his whakapapa – the Rutene name, and all the mana that comes with it.

'Cream on the cake': Local honoured for services to Māori language

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · June 06, 2023 2:55 AM

Te Maari Anahera Whare has been made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

Kete Kai hosted by former MasterChef judge will encourage te reo Māori in kitchen

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · June 05, 2023 11:00 PM

Rex Morgan will be joined on the series by guest Māori language advocates.

Taika Waititi Nails The Problem With Diversity In Hollywood... Almost

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · June 05, 2023 7:38 PM

After greeting the audience in te reo Māori, Waititi begins his speech with a cheeky statement.

Translator casts net wide

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · June 02, 2023 11:30 AM

Ms Mason was this week invested as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori language education. She says growing up in Ruatoki, te reo Māori was her first language, and it has always given her comfort.

Auditions open for latest Te Reo Māori Walt Disney adaption

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · May 31, 2023 10:29 PM

It comes from the same director as the te reo Māori versions of Lion King and Frozen.

What New Zealand's proposed bilingual signs look like

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · May 30, 2023 7:20 PM

The proposals cover 94 types of signs.

Hastings council set to add te reo Māori translations to 20 new directional road signs

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · May 24, 2023 12:00 PM

New directional road signs will include te reo Māori translations.

Tipene Kura to finally reopen after 25 year wait

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · May 24, 2023 6:00 AM

The re-opening of the oldest Māori boarding school in Aotearoa appears to be a step closer, with confirmation of a powerhouse couple returning to Auckland to oversee the re-establishment of Tipene/St Stephen's School.

Bilingual traffic signs in te reo Māori edge closer to reality

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · May 22, 2023 4:00 PM

Ninety-four traffic signs are being released for public consultation as part of an effort to make te reo Māori more visible in Aotearoa.

A waiata to ‘uplift, inspire and motivate’ - Kaea Hills

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · May 20, 2023 10:45 AM

"The waiata was written as though it was a message from my grandmothers for my safe journey in life. I hope this waiata has impact — that it can be universal in the way it makes people feel."

'You can’t speak what you can’t hear' – how Māori and Pacific sports stars are helping revitalise vulnerable languages

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · May 19, 2023 2:50 AM

More Indigenous sports stars are speaking their mother tongues in TV interviews and elsewhere. The challenge now is to develop truly bilingual commentary teams to keep the ball alive.

More Māori Than Ever Before Answer The Call, But Funding Still Falls Short | Te Mātāwai

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · May 18, 2023 2:59 AM

This year, Te Mātāwai received an incredible five hundred applications, marking an almost one hundred percent increase from last year.

‘I want to unlock the kupu from my throat’: Witi Ihimaera - The Gisborne Herald

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · May 17, 2023 11:00 AM

“The English language had been like a rope to me. It’s been that colonised language that I have been using to write my work”.

SPCA provides story books in te reo to Māori education providers across Aotearoa

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · May 15, 2023 12:00 PM

SPCA is providing books in Te Reo to schools who teach te reo.

New immersive app tells history and stories of Mataatua

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · May 14, 2023 2:44 AM

The app Te Waka Tipua o Mata-Atua tells the history and stories of the ancestral canoe.

Lessons from the Auckland Art Gallery’s typos in te reo Māori

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · May 08, 2023 7:00 PM

The Auckland Art Gallery missed large typos in Māori outside their building for five weeks. An expert highlights the need for quality control.

Waiata Māori goes down well with tamariki in Australia

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · May 08, 2023 1:52 PM

“Our people here in Australia are thirsting for any content that reflects our reo and our culture to share with their babies,” says Nicolla Morehouse.

Who really cares about te reo Māori in their business?

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · May 05, 2023 5:00 AM

OPINION: It’s easy for companies to cosplay as allies for one week of the year.

Singers of marginalized languages connect a world apart - Taipei Times

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · May 03, 2023 4:00 AM

Maori group Half/Time to perform alongside Welsh-language artists in Wales part of musical cultural exchange.

Why Kura Kaupapa is telling Government it needs equitable funding, doesn't want to be assimilated into mainstream

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · April 30, 2023 7:01 PM

Data shows the Kura Kaupapa model provides far better results for Māori than mainstream education.

Parliament's first te reo Māori outreach

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · April 30, 2023 7:35 AM

MPs have joined Parliament's Speaker in visiting regional New Zealand for five years, but for the first time a Speaker's outreach has gone all-in on Te Reo Māori at an immersion Kura.

Māori language educator Wally Penetito honoured with Te Whare Pūkenga Award

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · April 29, 2023 1:06 AM

Wally Penetito was recognised for significantly impacting the lives of Māori across Aotearoa.

First police station with all external signage in te reo Māori opens

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · April 21, 2023 6:28 AM

A new police base in the small Bay of Plenty town of Tāneatua has opened after a fire destroyed the town's station in 2018.

Witi Ihimaera: Going back to school at 79

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · April 15, 2023 11:40 AM

“I honour people who speak te reo,” he says. “I honour them very much. I also hope they honour me as someone who doesn’t speak fluent te reo Māori.”

Shift from European languages to te reo Māori, Pasifika under way

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · April 02, 2023 1:06 AM

New Zealanders have been learning less German and French, and more te reo.

Te reo cricket commentary available for first time at upcoming T20

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · March 31, 2023 12:43 AM

Sunday's Black Caps v Sri Lanka T20 on Spark, TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+ will for the first time offer English and te reo Māori options.

Māori astronomy expert Rangi Mātāmua named New Zealander of the Year

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · March 30, 2023 6:36 AM

Mātāmua has been recognised for his continued efforts to push Matauranga Māori to the forefront, to better connect Aotearoa with the whenua and wairua shared by all.

Webber taking late koro and Sean Wainui with him on te reo journey

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · March 29, 2023 12:44 AM

All Blacks Sevens star Joe Webber will miss the final four tournaments of this year's circuit to be part of Te Tohu Paetahi, a total immersion Māori language programme.

Māori historian Ross Calman granted honorary doctorate for work revitalising te reo

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · March 28, 2023 8:03 PM

When Ross Calman first enrolled at university, he had only a superficial knowledge of te reo and his whakapapa.

Keeping the flow: the use of te reo at Parliament

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · March 22, 2023 7:15 PM

An increased appetite to learn te reo Māori among different parts of the Parliament system means the work of the Māori Language Service is in demand more than ever.

Lenovo Focuses on Digital Inclusion with Launch of Bilingual Keyboard - Lenovo StoryHub

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · March 21, 2023 6:25 AM

Latest evolution of keyboard champions indigenous Māori culture, by enabling Aotearoa New Zealanders to communicate bilingually.

Mo Māori, no problem: Oxford English Dictionary includes Māori words

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · March 20, 2023 1:00 PM

The oldest Māori word in this new update is 'whenua' meaning ‘land or piece of land belonging to a Māori person or native land of a Māori group.’

Chur e hoa: It's all part of the new Oxford English Dictionary

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · March 15, 2023 1:01 AM

Everyday Māori words make it to the new Oxford Dictionary.

How Te Matatini made the whole world Māori

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · March 07, 2023 12:50 AM

It's over a week since the competition came to an end – but its impact endures.

New bilingual signs replace te reo welcome to Nelson

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · February 15, 2023 5:00 AM

The new signs replace the Haere Mai ki Whakatū signs that have been in place since Te Wiki o te reo Māori in 2020.

‘Per my last email’ and other ways to be passive aggressive at work – in Māori

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · February 06, 2023 12:00 PM

‘That doesn't belong in the dishwasher’ and more handy te reo Māori phrases for the modern office

'We need to work together,' says pakeha teacher of Te Reo Māori

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · February 06, 2023 5:00 AM

A 76-year-old man is on a mission to encourage Kiwis to learn Te Reo Māori, offering free lessons in his hometown to anyone interested in the language and culture he says improved his life.

Māori Language Commissioner Rawinia Higgins on being a Māori language warrior or worrier

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · February 05, 2023 5:00 AM

The Māori Language Commissioner reflects on the last five decades of progress, and how far we've got to go.

Non-Māori are embracing te reo - but there’s more to it than language

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · February 04, 2023 6:37 AM

Opinion - As we approach another Waitangi Day, we should be thinking again about what Te Tiriti o Waitangi means.

With or without my reo, I have always been Māori

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · February 02, 2023 10:31 AM

The daughter of a reo Māori activist, Ramari Jackson-Paniora surprisingly didn't grow up with her reo. Now she is reclaiming that taonga.

Kapiti or Kāpiti? The ongoing saga of the moving macron

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · January 25, 2023 5:00 AM

There's a lot more to it than just the spelling.

New knight Sir Haare Williams a champion of te reo and education

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · December 31, 2022 6:30 AM

Pioneer Māori broadcaster Dr Haare Williams has been appointed a knight for services to Māori, literature and education.

A momentous year for te reo Māori

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · December 22, 2022 6:22 AM

This year saw a surge in awareness of te reo Māori – thanks to decades of parents, grandparents, teachers and leaders refusing to give up.

Young Kiwis want Māori language honoured at work

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · November 29, 2022 1:04 AM

Young Kiwis want Māori language, tikanga and Te Tiriti principles honoured at work.

Embracing the inbetween cultures of my Puerto Rican, Pākehā, Māori family

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · November 09, 2022 11:32 PM

Elisa Rivera is learning to find the beauty in the balance of cultures within her whānau.

Combining passions for te reo and baking

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · November 09, 2022 3:30 AM

Writing her first cookbook has been a labour of love for former South Otago woman Naomi Toilalo, as she takes her passion for learning te reo and...

First and only te reo Māori Qur'an visits Rotorua

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · November 07, 2022 1:00 PM

Copies of the first and only te reo Māori translation of the Qur'an were displayed at the Rotorua Night Markets last Thursday. The initiative to translate the Qur'an into te reo Māori took translator Shakil Monir 25 years.

Real Estate NZ translates guides into Māori and other languages

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · November 07, 2022 1:00 PM

23 per cent of those who bought their first home in the past 12 months were Māori.

Kaitaia's very first reo Māori crossfit gym opens

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · November 07, 2022 1:00 PM

A reo Māori crossfit gym has opened in Kataia, “Whitirau” created by two reo speaking mums. They wanted to create a gym dedicated to normalising te reo Māori...

Challenges ahead as interest in Māori dialects grows

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · November 06, 2022 10:26 PM

As more and more Māori reclaim their language, many are growing curious about the rangi or dialect of their own iwi, but for some, this is proving challenging.

Research journey into ties between Māori well-being and te reo

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · November 06, 2022 10:21 PM

An University of Auckland lecturer is about to embark on a three-year project to see how Māori well-being is revitalising, alongside te reo.

Research journey into ties between Māori well-being and te reo

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · November 06, 2022 7:36 AM

An University of Auckland lecturer is about to embark on a three-year project to see how Māori well-being is revitalising, alongside te reo.

Frozen Reo Maori impresses Disney

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · October 26, 2022 1:00 PM

"For our babies to be able to experience and hear their language in such big public spaces like this, to make it māmā to make it Māori, to make it normal, is so important for them."

Whakaata Māori steps into batter's cage to screen men's Softball World Cup

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · October 22, 2022 1:00 PM

All 50 World Cup Softball games to be screened live on Whakaata Māori

The award-winning app making te reo Māori more accessible

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · October 14, 2022 10:30 PM

It just picked up a prestigious Gold Pin at the Best Design Awards. So what does ReoAko actually do?

Te Reo Māori film showcases Aotearoa to a post-Covid world

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · October 12, 2022 1:19 PM

Aotearoa New Zealand, Our Story features narration entirely in te reo Māori, by the film’s hero, 10-year-old Wiremu Kamariera.

Māori place names to stay on MetService website

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · October 03, 2022 7:27 AM

Te reo Māori names are to have a permanent home on MetService's website.

Microsoft on mission to spread the word - in te reo Māori

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 29, 2022 8:45 AM

The project is in collaboration with Māori-founded tech firm Straker Translations. The founder and CEO, Grant Straker of Ngāti Raukawa, said this was an idea he had to support the growth and continuation of te reo Māori in Aotearoa.

Hundreds queue for Costco opening day; shoppers hoping for bargains

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 28, 2022 1:00 PM

First, its signs are the only ones in a Costco internationally to be in te reo Māori as well as English. Using the language was an obvious move for the retailer. So pharmacy is te kēmehi, the meat department is labelled ngā miti, the bakery is hua parāoa, optical is mā ngā whatu and audiology is mā ngā taringa.

Kahungunu lays down reo wero

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 27, 2022 10:37 PM

"It’s now up to tribes to design their own schools of excellence and Kahungunu has done that with our own rangatahi academy called Te Pōkai Tara which is a bunch of youngsters who are already proficient in the language and we take them to another level of excellence and we also teach some of those unique Kahungunu linguistic nuances. So I think it rests with the tribes now. We’ve all been given the template,” Jeremy Tatere Macleod says.

Police front counter reopens

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 27, 2022 1:00 PM

Māori responsiveness manager Inspector Cliff Brown said the geometric design on the windows, floors and walls represents maunga across the district - Taranaki, Central Plateau and Tararua and Ruahine ranges. As well as Manawatū staff, staff from across the Central District often work there.

Mana whenua and Wellington council launch reo Māori App

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 27, 2022 7:04 AM

The App called ‘Mahau’ was created by Taranaki Whānui, Ngāti Toa and Wellington City Council and helps with kupu, and pronunciation around landmarks and locations in the capital.

‘The Project NZ’ announce they're doing a whole show in te reo Māori

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 26, 2022 10:44 PM

To celebrate Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, ‘The Project’ will be doing a whole broadcast in te reo Māori, host Kara Rickard announced on a Facebook post this morning.

Ngā Tamatoa urge Māori to tackle councils

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 19, 2022 8:35 AM

Members of Ngā Tamatoa have urged Māori to get active in local government to tackle racism and get land back.

'I wanted to know my language': Kiwi Fern Katelyn Vaha'akolo's te reo journey

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 18, 2022 7:35 PM

Te Ao Toa spoke to Katelyn Vaha'akolo (Ngāti Whātua, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Maniapoto and Tongan) - who didn't grow up speaking Māori - about her te reo Māori journey.

Māwai Hākona kapa haka group reflect on te reo Māori journey

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 18, 2022 1:00 PM

Māwai Hākona won the second year of the Polynesian Festival in Rotorua in 1973.

Opinion: My te reo Māori journey - Samantha Hayes

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 17, 2022 10:53 PM

For broadcasters and anyone speaking publicly, it is no longer a nice-to-have but a must-have, she writes.

Giving kapa haka a go is great way to learn te reo Māori

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 17, 2022 10:47 PM

Research shows it can be a vital learning tool for Māori language revitalisation.

Darth Ngāpuhi the 'Dark Lord' championing te reo Māori to TikTok sci-fi nerds

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 17, 2022 4:00 PM

Science-fiction nerds have a bronzed 'Dark Lord' championing te reo Māori online, Darth Ngāpuhi aka Green MP Teanau Tuiono (Te Uriroroi, Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Takoto).

Use of te reo Māori in New Zealand media continues to grow

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 16, 2022 8:00 AM

Stuff saw the biggest increase since 2018 while RNZ's usage declined by 9%.

Tamils sign up for te reo lessons: 'It should be the first language of the nation'

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 15, 2022 12:00 PM

The Māori Language Commission is teaming up with the Tamil Community in Wellington for a pilot project to teach te reo Māori to the members of the community.

With or without you, we will sail in both worlds: 50 years on from Māori Language petition

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 14, 2022 12:40 AM

It has been a day of celebration and reflection for those who delivered the Māori Language petition exactly 50 years ago.

Remembering the Māori Language Petition and the revival of te reo Māori

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 13, 2022 10:19 AM

This week marks 50 years since the Māori Language Petition was presented to Parliament. Jamie Tahana spoke to those who fought for change, and examines the moments leading to the movement, and what has happened since.

As Māori language use grows in New Zealand, the challenge is to match deeds to words

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 13, 2022 7:00 AM

While the sight and sound of te reo Māori is becoming common in Aotearoa, advocates say the journey to a bilingual society is only beginning

How starting to learn te reo Māori taught me about myself

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 11, 2022 5:00 AM

OPINION: Growing up with blonde hair, blue eyes and fair skin covered in SPF50 made me feel far away from my Māori heritage. Te reo is helping bridge the gap.

Pere Wihongi champions holistic benefits of learning te reo Māori

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 08, 2022 12:00 PM

Composer, musical director and presenter Pere Wihongi stands by the holistic benefits of learning te reo Māori for whānau hungry to learn.

Reo Māori fitness keeping Te Wanihi Edwards busier than ever

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 08, 2022 11:38 AM

Yvonne Te Wanihi Edwards, the presenter of the Whakaata Māori programme, Oranga Ngākau is in demand as a Māori language fitness instructor.

Maioha reo Māori songwriting finalists named for 2022

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 08, 2022 8:00 AM

The remaining finalists for this year's Apra songwriting awards have been revealed, including the Maioha Award, which recognises contemporary Māori music and songwriters who shape their craft in te reo Māori.

Tamariki fave book gets te reo Māori translation

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 06, 2022 7:00 AM

The bestselling children's book I Need a New Bum was first published 10 years ago. To mark the 10th anniversary of the book, Stephanie Huriana Fong has translated the book into te reo Māori (Kia Hou Taku Tou).

My mum, my mountain: Hana Te Hemara

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 05, 2022 3:09 AM

“Mum was an articulate, visionary, and fearless woman. She was the biggest driver of the petition for reo Māori to be included in the school curriculum . . . She did all that organising from her kitchen table.” — Ramari Jackson.

Wharekura join forces to take te reo Māori to the National league field

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · August 30, 2022 7:13 PM

One of the most significant events in the rugby league calendar returned after a three-year Covid hiatus this week – the National Secondary Schools...

Davidson's bittersweet rebellion over te reo Māori

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · August 30, 2022 3:10 AM

Backing te reo Māori on a chocolate bar has resulted in some backlash for Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson - and prompted a reminder for other ministers about the rules.

Why 'I will not speak Māori' is emblazoned across Wellington's waterfront

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · August 25, 2022 12:00 PM

The art work, installed by Tame Iti, uses the same words he was forced to write over and over again by his school teachers while growing up.

Irish Embassy commissions play about colonisation in te reo

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · August 23, 2022 5:43 PM

Translations, a play by Irish playwright Brian Friel, has been translated into te reo by author, translator and te reo exponent Hēmi Kelly.

Chocolate lovers' sweet revenge on haters of 'woke' Whittaker's

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · August 18, 2022 12:00 PM

Te reo chocolate wrapper prompts bitter outrage - and a sweet wave of response.

Marae working to increase use of Te Reo Māori sign language

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · August 12, 2022 6:15 AM

Twenty marae across Northland want to grow the number of whānau who can speak te reo Māori in sign language. An eight week course, He Aha, is about to get underway to help whānau improve communication with tangata turi.

Swimming classes in te reo offered in Pukekohe

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · August 11, 2022 7:00 AM

Te reo Māori swimming lessons for toddlers and young children now offered in Pukekohe. The hope is that not just Māori but the wider community in Franklin will embrace te reo.

Māori language petition honoured with te reo waiata collaboration

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · August 09, 2022 7:00 AM

Waiata Anthems 2022 will be released next month and will mark 50 years since the signing of the Māori language petition.

Celebrating 35 years of te reo Māori as an official language, but still a risk

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · August 02, 2022 11:29 AM

On the 35th anniversary of te reo Māori becoming an official language, the Māori Language Commission is warning more work is needed to ensure its survival.

Prof Rawinia Higgins | Chair of the Maori Language Commission

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · August 01, 2022 12:12 AM

Chair of the Māori Language Commission, Rawinia Higgins, speaks about the 35th birthday of Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori.

Celebrating 35 years of te reo Māori as an official language, but the danger of losing it remains

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · August 01, 2022 12:05 AM

On the 35th anniversary of te reo Māori becoming an official language, the Māori Language Commission is warning more work is needed to ensure its survival.

Directors get support with te ao Māori journey

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · July 30, 2022 11:30 AM

Directors now have a Māori-designed mobile app to support them on their journey with te ao Māori. The Institute of Directors in New Zealand (IoD) launched the app named Hautū on Friday.

1News weekend weather presenter promoting te reo Māori

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · July 20, 2022 3:35 PM

One News' new weekend weather presenter Te Rauhiringa Brown says she is doing it to share her love of te reo Māori.

Rongo app eases the whakamā for beginners learning te reo Māori

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · July 20, 2022 6:30 AM

Tai Tokerau's Te Hiku Media has launched an app called ‘Rongo’ to support te reo learners with their pronunciation.

‘Dial a Māori’ and other mistakes Pākehā make

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · July 17, 2022 11:55 PM

We should all be able to say people’s names correctly. We should all be able to say place names correctly. Even if we only do this, we’re effectively saying: “I see you, I value you, I’m listening to you, and I will follow your lead.”

Māori language teacher with super abilities

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · July 14, 2022 7:00 AM

Tūraukawa Bartlett runs online tutorials as part of the te reo Māori strategy of Ngāti Whātua. "I am autistic, I have Asperger's. But my particular condition doesn't reflect the prognosis."

'Significant increase' in proficient te reo Māori speakers

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · July 05, 2022 3:02 PM

The latest wellbeing report by Stats NZ shows some good news; a significant leap in people proficient in te reo Māori across the country.

Learning te reo Māori could be key in improving wellbeing for Māori

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · July 05, 2022 4:42 AM

The rise in te reo Māori could be key to helping improve Māori wellbeing - among its benefits are helping give a sense of belonging.

Student wins Race Unity Speech Awards prize for speech in Māori

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · June 30, 2022 5:15 PM

A student from Te Tai Rāwhiti has won a prize at the national Race Unity Speech Awards for 2022 with a speech entirely in te reo Māori....

Language Matters: Crossing the monolingual divide in mainstream broadcasting

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · June 27, 2022 5:00 AM

OPINION: People don't need to know a language well to understand the overall meaning when it is used with other languages.

Hemi Kelly's journey to helping others on their reo Māori journey

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · June 23, 2022 7:00 AM

“I didn’t grow up speaking te reo Māori. Mum had a little bit of knowledge but enough to give us the language when we were kids. So I know what it’s like to go out and be hungry for it, go through those years and years of courses learning it.”

Disney’s The Lion King finalise cast members for the te reo Māori version of the animated classic

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · May 26, 2022 12:00 PM

Disney’s The Lion King has found its cast for a te reo Māori version of the animated classic.

He maimai aroha: Anaru Robb

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · May 22, 2022 10:27 AM

“Anaru’s ability to speak Māori committed him throughout his adult life to holding the government to task about its obligations to te reo Māori and Māori rights.” — Wena Harawira.

Can they cope with 'more than the odd kia ora'?

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · May 22, 2022 10:25 AM

“Being exposed to te reo in our everyday environments, including on our news channels, benefits both speakers and non-speakers of the language.” — Awanui Te Huia.

Māoriland Film Festival to launch with Matariki

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · May 18, 2022 2:30 PM

The world's largest indigenous film festival is back for the ninth year, and it will happen at a very special time for Aotearoa.

Pā Reo Māori to go live on Minecraft

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · May 17, 2022 12:00 AM

A te reo Māori teacher from Northland is building a pā on the highly popular gaming platform Minecraft.

Revealed: Four te reo Māori names proposed for City Rail Link stations

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · May 09, 2022 12:00 PM

The proposed names acknowledged the history of the land and areas in Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland that the stations would occupy. The proposed names are Maungawhau (Mt Eden), Karanga a Hape (Karangahape), Te Wai Horotiu (Aotea) and Waitematā (Britomart).

Theia releases new album Te Kaahu

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · May 09, 2022 12:00 PM

Em Walker, known as Theia, is today releasing her new te reo Māori album, Te Kaahu.

Wellington City Council commits to stronger focus on te reo and Māori history

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · May 05, 2022 2:01 PM

More Māori street names and considering how transport projects can help improve access to services are among the initiatives in a plan just ratified.

Language app designed to spread the word

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · April 28, 2022 11:49 PM

A te reo Māori app developed for Ashburton District Council staff is to be shared with the community, so others can learn more about local Māori language and protocols. The app also covers Tagalog (the primary language of the Philippines) and Samoan.

About all the Māori nonsense - a response from Māori Language Commissioner

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · April 28, 2022 2:42 AM

"Te reo Māori is endangered in the land it comes from. It is a language that is native to this country and like an endangered bird, its future depends on what we do. "

Majority of NowNext survey respondents believe Māori culture and history is an important part of our national identity

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · April 27, 2022 5:00 AM

Despite positive response towards Māori culture and history in Stuff's NowNext Pou Tiaki survey, Māori continue to experience racism and the negative impacts of colonisation.

The ongoing fight for Māori to school our own, our way

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · April 21, 2022 1:40 PM

'They’ve constantly tried to fit us into a system that won’t ever be sophisticated or reflective enough to love and grow our tamariki.'

New bilingual traffic signs for schools to replace English-only

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · April 20, 2022 12:00 AM

It comes after a recent change to a land transport rule which came into force this month, and will see school in both te reo Māori and English featured on the signs.

Coming soon: te reo Māori courses for the public sector

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · April 14, 2022 2:38 AM

Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori is launching pilot te reo Māori courses for the public sector.

Te Matatini marks 50 years with album, book and web series

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · April 13, 2022 12:00 AM

The national kapa haka festival is a celebration of te ao Māori, and has been a significant part of the te reo Māori revitalisation.

Whakamāori - New show coming soon

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · April 11, 2022 2:31 PM

Whakamāori brings Google Translate to life! Historical speeches, poetry and TV theme tunes - anything goes in this podcast which aims to translate some of our best known content from English to Māori, hosted by three te reo Māori enthusiasts who don't always agree.

Finding my real voice

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · April 10, 2022 8:50 AM

“I’d finally joined an environment where I didn’t have to use my Pākehā voice for the first time in my life.” — Siena Yates.

Canadian director's passion for indigenous languages, including te reo Māori

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · April 06, 2022 6:00 AM

“Now you have non-Māori people from different backgrounds teach in Māori. This is an accomplishment. This is what we would like to see in Canada. We would like to see non-indigenous teaching indigenous languages, and I believe it's going to happen.”

Esteemed Māori leader Dr Moana Jackson passes away

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · March 30, 2022 10:43 PM

His work on Māori and Indigenous rights has been an inspiration to many, using his knowledge and experience to help Māori and Pākehā understand the impacts of colonisation in Aotearoa.

Inaugural writers festival to highlight Māori literature

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · March 29, 2022 1:00 PM

The Kupu Māori Writers Festival is set to launch in June

Māori Television Celebrates 18 Years Of Telling Māori Stories | Scoop News

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · March 29, 2022 4:15 AM

Māori Television reflect on how they have entertained and inspired audiences through the telling of Māori stories.

Māori Television at 18: Seeing Māori in the media opened up the pearly gates

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · March 28, 2022 3:52 PM

Māori Television turns 18 today, and I owe much of who I am to it.

Teen incorporating Māori culture into Shakespeare excited for Globe performance

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · March 26, 2022 5:00 AM

Māhanga Mitchell blends his Māori upbringing with Shakespeare, and is now taking his fresh take on the Bard to the Globe Theatre in London.

Troy Kingi confirms Matariki release for reo Māori album

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · March 25, 2022 12:00 AM

The announcement comes after the artist was named as the 2021 APRA Silver Scroll Award/Kaitito Kaiaka winner on Thursday night.

The business founder, activist and writer pausing her award-winning career to learn te reo Māori fulltime

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · March 23, 2022 3:23 PM

Qiane Matata-Sipu isn’t someone who does things by halves. Here's why she's hitting the pause button on her award-winning career to learn te reo Mā�ori fulltime.

The Māori Language Commission paid tribute to the late leader, Tā Wira Gardiner

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · March 18, 2022 11:26 PM

Tā Wira was exceptional because he led from the front in all he did. Te reo Māori was no exception.

Whakapapa – there’s an app for that

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · February 28, 2022 1:05 AM

A Māori living in Australia has developed an app to help people document their whakapapa.

Te Māngai Pāho and Octave announce new partnership for ReoAko.

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · February 21, 2022 9:41 PM

ReoAko is a translation tool that enables website managers to easily add te reo Māori to their websites.

Te Karere turns 40: How it changed the voice of Aotearoa

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · February 20, 2022 9:16 PM

Derek Fox, the man who pushed hard to set Te Karere up, looks back on the show's origins.

A chat with... Te Karere's Derek Fox

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · February 19, 2022 5:40 AM

In February 1982, journalist Derek Fox was instrumental in getting Te Karere going - but it's not always been an easy battle with TV bosses.

Ōtaki Surf Live Saving Club bilingual website easier to surf

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · February 11, 2022 1:00 PM

The club has taken the opportunity to be more representative of its community

From outrage to No 1 hits: how Māori musicians conquered the charts in their own language

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · February 10, 2022 8:11 PM

Once, singing in te reo Māori could trigger a backlash – now New Zealand’s indigenous language is at the heart of its music scene

Te Karere, New Zealand's first Māori language television show, is turning 40

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · February 10, 2022 5:00 AM

“This is the value of what Te Karere has been. It’s helped to normalise te reo Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand,” says presenter Scotty Morrison.

Kura kaupapa founders go to Waitangi Tribunal in push for Māori Education Authority

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · February 08, 2022 4:40 PM

The group says the Crown has failed to honour the principles of Māori kura and sabotaged decades of efforts to improve them.

Artist brings colour and te reo Māori to urban Nelson

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · February 07, 2022 5:00 AM

Nerys Ngaruhe's goal is to bring te reo and toi Māori to Nelson's urban landscape.

Race relations commissioner calls for compulsory te reo Māori in schools

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · February 06, 2022 8:00 AM

On Waitangi Day, Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon urges the Government to meet its Treaty obligation to protect the Māori language.

New Zealand’s Battle for te reo Māori: Call for Stories

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · February 04, 2022 3:18 AM

The Māori Language Commission is calling for help collecting stories, images and memories that trace the ongoing battle to save the Māori language.  

Learn te reo Māori on-the-go with Mai i te Kākano

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · January 27, 2022 2:08 AM

The audiobook is perfect for learning on-the-go as you go about your day. It makes learning a bit easier for those who have full time jobs, tamariki to care for, or have no time for formal study.

'Kōhanga kids are changing Māoridom' - Dame Iritana Tāwhiwhirangi

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · January 25, 2022 10:31 AM

“Look where the language is. It's all over the place. Anything that wriggles is actually interested in the language. It's everywhere. I source it back to those mokopuna that sat at the feet of those expert, linguistic elders...”

‘We were called the Nazis of te reo Māori' - Sir Pou Temara pays a price for excellence

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · January 20, 2022 12:05 PM

For more than 40 years Sir Pou Temara has worked to nurture te reo Māori and, even though his quest attracted harsh criticism, he has no apologies for striving for excellence.

New RNZ National show to focus on Māori talent and stories

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · January 19, 2022 4:09 AM

Acclaimed broadcaster Julian Wilcox (Ngāpuhi, Te Arawa) is to host a new RNZ National programme featuring the talents and stories of Māori from across Aotearoa.

Returning to my roots: Dame Kiri Te Kanawa’s te reo Māori journey

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · January 18, 2022 11:39 AM

After five decades of forging a successful international singing career, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa has returned home to Aotearoa and she’s keen to reconnect...

Rob Ruha: The man who helped Tairāwhiti take over TikTok

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · January 16, 2022 5:15 AM

It’s hard to ignore the joyous nature of Rob Ruha’s hit song, 35. But the musician says the global sensation is less about record sales, and more about the rangatahi.

Panga: Te reo Māori Wordle

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · January 10, 2022 5:15 AM

A simple five-letter word game called Wordle - which is taking the world by storm - now has a reo Māori version.

Sir Wira Gardiner on learning te reo Māori late in life

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · December 20, 2021 5:15 AM

"If an old koro like me can do it, anybody can."

Wētā Workshop adds macrons to undo misuse of te reo Māori

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · November 16, 2021 5:00 AM

For years the special effects company was mistakenly named after excrement, not an insect.

Māori language campaign wins global communications prize

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · November 15, 2021 12:46 AM

The Māori Language Commission’s Māori Language Moment has taken out the supreme award at the International Public Relations Association’s Golden World Awards for Excellence.

Creators on TikTok elevating Māori culture and language

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · November 10, 2021 4:02 AM

A growing community of te reo Māori educators are using social media platforms to teach people New Zealand’s indigenous language, which was at risk of total extinction for decades.

New course in Te Tairāwhiti to help implement te reo Maori into the cirruculum.

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · November 09, 2021 8:47 PM

Programme tutor Sue Ngarimu will lead the six-month Te Ahu o te Reo Māori course with the help of three of the region’s kaumatua as kaiawhina.

Shilo Kino: Learning Te reo Māori in the middle of a pandemic

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · November 02, 2021 5:00 AM

Shilo Kino on the struggles of learning in a year-long te reo Māori immersion course when the world is suspended high and dry

Santa Speaks Te Reo: Write To Santa With NZ Post And Receive A Response In Te Reo – Ka Pai! | Scoop News

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · November 01, 2021 9:13 PM

In the past year, we have seen a huge response to Te Wiki o Te Reo Māoriand including more Reo in our everyday lives. NZ Post and Santa understand the importance and NZ Post is proud to be for the third year, offering the magical connection of ...

Auditions To Commence For The Maori Language Version Of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Iconic Film The Lion King | Scoop News

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · October 29, 2021 1:34 AM

The first round of open auditions for The Lion King Reo Māori are open. “You don’t have to be from any particular rohe to audition, just like Moana Reo Māori we encourage everyone to have a go, Karawhiua!"

The pou tokomanawa in the whare: Bringing te reo to life in the places we live

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · October 28, 2021 5:15 AM

Reclaiming te reo Māori is always hard, but the hardest work – and the most important – takes place within the home.

Author Keri Opai writes book for Māori disenfranchised from te reo

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · October 21, 2021 2:58 PM

Tikanga: An introduction to Te Ao Māori, is a new book to help beginners understand the Māori world.

First road traffic signs in Te Reo Māori – Taihoa, Haere - NZ Herald

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · October 19, 2021 1:00 PM

Vehicle drivers in the Bay of Plenty witnessed the first use of :"Taihoa" (Wait) and "Haere" (Go) signs used by traffic managers yesterday.

Magician wows audiences all in te reo Māori - NZ Herald

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · October 12, 2021 1:00 PM

Api Wairau-Mason is self taught and been collaborating with well-known local magicians.

Privilege and language trauma

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 26, 2021 3:47 AM

“As the dust settles following Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, I feel like I’ve been through all the stages of grief. I’m unsure what part I play now.” — Vini Olsen-Reeder.

Two generations discuss their journeys with te reo Māori

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 23, 2021 4:42 AM

“I've had many conversations where it is like, ‘Oh that's so cool that you're learning te reo Māori, it's such a good hobby to have’. It’s like, no, I’m not learning how to knit, I’m not learning how to dance. I’m learning my voice.”

Demand jumps for job applicants who can speak te reo Māori

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 20, 2021 4:51 PM

Te reo Māori is not only culturally important, it's also growing in economic value, says a data researcher.

Learning te Reo is a personal journey

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 20, 2021 2:06 AM

“Te Wiki o te Reo Māori helps people to know that there is nothing scary about this language, and it’s a language that is ours – that belongs to Aotearoa,” Mike Kawana said.

Couple met learning te reo Māori, now its their son's first language

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 19, 2021 5:00 AM

Casey and Nathan met in a te reo class at work. Now, it's the only language they speak to their toddler son.

Samoan multilinguist shares inspiring story of learning te reo Māori

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 18, 2021 9:59 AM

Tuiloma Lina-Jodi Samu is a Samoan multilinguist with eight different languages under her belt. One of those languages is Aotearoa’s very own te reo Māori.

Te reo Māori and Welsh: Two indigenous languages, two stories of revival

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 17, 2021 3:26 PM

Beaten for speaking the language; shame around speaking it; suppressed and ridiculed by the British. Sound familiar?

HRC to stop hearing individual complaints on use of te reo Māori

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 17, 2021 2:09 AM

The Human Rights Commission will no longer consider individual complaints over the use of te reo Māori or the term Pākehā.

Māori Party launches petition to change official name of New Zealand to Aotearoa - NZ Herald

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 16, 2021 12:00 PM

The petition also aims to use te reo Māori names for all towns, cities and places by 2026.

‘Nau mai te rekareka’: We’ve got some sexy reo Māori for you

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 16, 2021 5:45 AM

It’s important we get to use te reo in all the ways it can be, including the sexy ways!

‘35’ by Ka Hao feat Rob Ruha is the TikTok anthem of Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 16, 2021 5:44 AM

We spoke to two rangatahi behind NZ's #1 hot single.

Kea Kids News: New video game features wahine Māori

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 15, 2021 4:46 PM

The game developer hopes Guardian Maia wil inspire more indigenous video gamers.

Graphic designer a 'one wahine waka' taking te reo Māori into homes

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 15, 2021 3:10 PM

Aroha Tamihana never learnt te reo as a child growing up in Tajikistan, but she's making up for it with a vengeance.

More than a million said to take part in reo Māori moment

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 14, 2021 9:16 PM

There was waiata, animation, stories, korero, team quizzes and fitness routines to Poi E.

How famous New Zealand landmarks got their Māori place names

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 14, 2021 11:19 AM

What's in a name? When it comes to our place names, expect rip-roaring yarns taking in everything from early explorers to star-crossed lovers.

TikTok, Twitch new ‘vehicles’ for Māori creators to kōrero, ako te reo Māori

Posted by John Williams · September 14, 2021 5:00 AM

Thanks to Sonny Ngatai, more than 175,000 TikTok users know how to correctly pronounce Paraparaumu. A further 97,000 know different ways to sign off their emails in te reo Māori.

‘You’re not going to get a job in te reo Māori’: 3 people who proved this wrong

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 14, 2021 1:30 AM

Today we are seeing the fruits of those sacrifices our tīpuna have made in order to save the language. Featuring Te Aorere Pewhairangi, Te Rauhiringa Brown and Hēmi Kelly.

More than 'mā te wā': How Air New Zealand is helping te reo Māori fly

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 13, 2021 11:19 AM

Araraurangi (Air NZ) have released a new app 'Kia Rere' for staff and passengers to practise and improve their reo. The app has a section where users can fill in the details of their journey and learn the sentences in te reo Māori needed to talk about their trip.

A short history of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 13, 2021 5:46 AM

Kua tae ki te wā e te whānau! Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, when te reo is proudly marched down the street, when staffrooms around the country are suddenly covered in post-it note reo and when all the Karens and Dons prepare for the apocalypse.

Affirmations for when you need a reminder of your connection to te reo Māori

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 13, 2021 5:46 AM

These words have been written as something for you to say to yourself so that you remember your connection to this reo.

A te reo Māori glossary for your home

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 13, 2021 5:00 AM

I'm busting out the sticky notes to remember these kupu around my whare - how about you?

Learning te reo Māori 'like going home', says fashion designer Kiri Nathan

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 12, 2021 5:00 AM

Finding a year to study full-time was never going to be easy, but Kiri Nathan realised being unable to speak her language had become too painful.

'I'm beginning a journey': The inside story of Lorde's surprise mini-album in te reo Māori

Posted by John Williams · September 09, 2021 4:12 PM

Ahead of Te Wiki o Te Reo, Lorde today releases Te Ao Mārama, five songs from Solar Power re-recorded in te reo Māori, the Indigenous language of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Te reo Māori game gets native trees in the ground this lockdown

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 08, 2021 9:53 AM

"We’ve partnered with Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori to release a reo Māori version of our popular “Tree Snap” game, Taukapu Rākau," A card game designed to help anyone spot native rākau in the wild so that people can to get to know our taiao in a fun, friendly way.

An Open Letter to Aotearoa - Professor Rawinia Higgins

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 08, 2021 5:00 AM

We were anxious not to put pressure on people this Māori Language Week because there are so many things we are being asked to do. It isn’t always easy to live in lockdown, separated from the people and places who make us we are.

Popularity of te reo Māori challenge surprises organisers

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 07, 2021 9:34 AM

"I looked at some of the other months, you know, you've got Dry July, No Junk June or whatever they are and then you've got Movember, and I thought: I'm gonna do one for te reo." Since then, Mahuru Māori has grown into something of a movement.

Six60, Stan Walker, Anna Coddington and many others release new music in te reo

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 04, 2021 5:20 PM

Artists including Stan Walker, Che Fu and Six60 have re-released their hits in te reo Māori for another series of Waiata Anthems.

Waiata Anthems: Anna Coddington's mission to normalise te reo Māori for her tamariki - NZ Herald

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 03, 2021 12:00 PM

Anna Coddington has always been on a reo but said her children were the real 'catalyst'. The singer-songwriter is one of many New Zealand artists who have released a new single in te reo Māori for Waiata Anthems Week called Aho / Beams ft. Louis Baker...

Learning new poi each day in lockdown

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · August 27, 2021 5:06 AM

Ihaka Whanarere Tauri was only a baby when he picked up the poi and has never let it go ever since. Now at 11 years old, he has set up a personal challenge on social media, attracting over 30,000 viewers in three days.

Kiwis using lockdown to learn 'easy to access' Te Reo Māori

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · August 27, 2021 2:21 AM

Learning te reo in lockdown has been made easier for many, thanks to the efforts of those like Hēmi Kelly, who during the first lockdown started a community group on Facebook . 'A Māori phrase a Day' now has 92,000 people in its waka

Te Nūtube Releases New Hit Reo Māori Single “Paki Mati” In Lockdown! | Scoop News

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · August 23, 2021 12:00 PM

Atareta Milne (11) and Te Haakura Ihimaera-Manley (9) from Te Nūtube are back to entertain tamariki and whānau across Aotearoa, and bring light to our lockdown living. Their new hit waiata (song) “Paki Mati” releases across all major music streaming ...

South Taranaki students help with reo Māori video to recruit Māori into trades

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · August 23, 2021 5:00 AM

A new video entirely in te reo Māori features students from South Taranaki. The campaign aims to show young Māori where a career in trades could take them. The digital campaign coincides with Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week) and will run throughout September.

Learning the features of verbs in te reo

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · August 21, 2021 5:00 AM

In te reo there are two main classes of verb: verbs of “doing” (action verbs) and verbs of “being” (stative verbs). - Learn with David Karena-Holmes

Māori Language Moment 2021

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · August 20, 2021 3:04 AM

New Zealanders are being invited to be part of history and help shape the future as the Māori Language Commission seeks to set a new world record with its award-winning Māori Language Moment. “Last year 1 million New Zealanders celebrated te reo with us, this year we are hoping to see 2 million New Zealanders celebrating with us,” said commission chief executive, Ngahiwi Apanui. “Te reo Māori is still an endangered language. We need everyone’s help to ensure it is safe for future generations.

The wāhine Māori bringing te reo Māori to audiences through Korean pop music

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · August 14, 2021 5:00 AM

Taylor-Rose Terekia performs Korean pop song covers, but with a twist — she translates them into te reo Māori.

A kaiako on the year's best te reo Māori books for children

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · August 11, 2021 8:30 PM

Pati Hakaria shares her own te reo story, and talks about some of the picture books shortlisted for the Wright Family Foundation Te Kura Pounamu Award for te reo Māori.

Ngā Tohu o Matariki o te Tau: Māori excellence celebrated at this year's Matariki awards - NZ Herald

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · August 02, 2021 12:00 PM

Stacey Morrison has been recognised for her contribution to the revitalisation of te reo Māori and tikanga. Although she did not speak te reo Māori until adulthood, the mother of three achieved her goal of becoming fluent by the time her children were born.

Teachers say learning te reo is making them better at their jobs

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · August 01, 2021 10:34 PM

Principal Nicola Ngarewa said the simple act of pronouncing children's Māori names correctly made those children feel valued.

'It’s everything': 11 wāhine tell us about their relationship to te reo Māori

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · July 29, 2021 3:00 AM

For Māori, our relationship with reo and culture isn’t straightforward. We’ve had to fight for our language and customs - a journey which looks different for everyone.

School Report: Kura kaupapa drive top te reo Māori marks up

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · July 26, 2021 5:00 AM

Students are leaving school with levels of Māori language proficiency not seen in decades, experts say.

Newshub's Oriini Kaipara on te reo, TV and racism in New Zealand

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · July 25, 2021 5:00 AM

Kaipara is a television anchor and mother of four, and she’s only 37. You know her because in 2019 she made headlines for becoming the first woman with a moko kauae, a traditional chin tattoo, to present a mainstream news show when she filled in on TVNZ’s noon bulletin.

Frozen, The Lion King to be dubbed in te reo Māori

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · July 23, 2021 1:36 AM

Production is underway to create te reo Māori versions of Disney classics, Frozen and The Lion King.

Calling in on The Godfather

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · July 18, 2021 10:10 PM

"I’m good with anybody who makes the effort. I’ve learned other languages and they’ve been quite tolerant, too. So I believe that if the effort is sincere, then give them all the help they want." - Tā Tīmoti Karetū

Matariki: A lot can change in a year - Shilo Kino

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · July 04, 2021 8:00 AM

When we first started learning about the kaupapa of Matariki six weeks ago, I didn't think it would be another exercise in decolonising but I was wrong. Everything in te reo Māori is hōhonu - deep - because there is life force in everything we learn. He mauri tō ngā mea kātoa.

A Māori Siri: Voice apps that recognise te reo Māori a possible future

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · July 02, 2021 4:02 PM

Human: “Hey Siri, can you take me to Kaitaia?” Siri: “Which car tire?”

Masters study for te reo to launch in July, following national demand - NZ Herald

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · June 29, 2021 12:00 PM

"The programme is about providing Māori language excellence for highly competent Māori language tauira." says kaiako, Pania Papa. The course is said to be very similar to Te Panekiretanga o te Reo, a top Māori language academy which closed its doors two years ago.

Album of songs will celebrate 50 years of Te Matatini

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · June 28, 2021 6:55 PM

Songs that epitomise 50 years of Te Matatini will be recorded in an album marking the 50th anniversary of the national kapa haka competition in 2022. “You will hear a vibrant and new sound that will help elevate the Māori language”

Veteran Māori broadcaster stunned by pilot's perfect announcements in te reo

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · June 24, 2021 6:47 PM

A pilot's perfect use of te reo impressed a passenger so much that he asked to meet him and was blown away to discover the pilot wasn't Māori, but simply endeavouring to learn and use te reo as much as possible.

Pop-up cafe helps students gain barista and te reo Māori skills

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · June 24, 2021 6:47 PM

People can get a discount off their kawhe by using te reo Māori at Awatapu College's pop-up cafe. This is to encourage the normalisation of the language.

Trade training in Te Reo Māori launched in Waikato

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · June 23, 2021 1:25 PM

Ngā Taiātea has teamed up with BCITO to provide the first NCEA level 3 building, construction and allied trades skills units in Te Reo Māori. Up until now, only English versions have been available.

Pop chart launches for te reo Māori songs

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · June 20, 2021 11:58 PM

A weekly chart for the most popular songs in te reo Māori is being launched today. The official chart will compile the top 10 songs in te reo Māori by sales, streams and airplay.

Artist calls out racism after te reo Māori sticker gets graffiti complaint

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · June 16, 2021 5:53 PM

Hohepa Thompson is trying to encourage the everyday use of te reo Māori, so he put a label reading rāpihi (rubbish) on the council bin outside his store, but the sticker kept disappearing and then the bin disappeared too...

How learning te reo Māori helped me heal my mental health

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · June 15, 2021 5:00 AM

Like many of our rangatahi, Katelyn Vaha’akolo struggled with her mental health as a teen, but over time she’s found the things that keep her wairua tau and changed her perspective on life - now she wants to encourage others to speak up and find what helps them.

Christchurch teen elevating te reo Māori usage - one floor at a time

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · June 15, 2021 5:00 AM

Rangimarie Te’evale-Hunt, 15, fought for two years to have te reo Māori spoken in her school's lifts. After the involvement of Fair Go, lift company Schindler Lifts agreed to changing the elevator voice to a bi-cultural one.

Mind your language: the backlash against the te reo revival

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · June 11, 2021 2:20 PM

Why is a minority still threatened by the use of the Māori language?

The Backstory: Why Stuff’s homepage greets you with 'Kia ora, Aotearoa!' not 'Hello, New Zealand!'

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · June 10, 2021 9:26 AM

Here’s the beautiful thing about inclusive language: it doesn’t exclude you.

Gentle, respectful, humble: how non-Māori can help revitalise te reo

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · June 08, 2021 11:47 PM

“The way that Pākehā engage with te reo is going to be different to a Māori person who has grown up without their ancestral language, seen it battered – literally, beaten out of their whānau..."

How to Bring a Language to Life - Dr Ruakere Hond

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · June 08, 2021 1:44 AM

Dr Ruakere Hond is a long-time kaiako (teacher) of the Māori language through a community-based approach to learning. A passionate proponent of the revitalization of the Māori language, Ruakere shares why indigenous languages are so important in modern society.

Former Katchafire member Hāni Dread releases new waiata saluting te reo revolutionaires

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · May 31, 2021 1:00 PM

Former Katchafire member Hāni Totorewa says his new waiata Kōkiri “is for those who fought for the maori language to be recognised”.

Robert Rakete brought to tears by te reo translation of The Breeze radio jingle

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · May 20, 2021 2:30 PM

“I’m so proud that we are doing this — not just because we want to do the right thing — we’re just doing it because we should,” The Breeze host said.

Justice Joe Williams: Let's try and get it right

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · May 16, 2021 1:07 AM

“Both sides are saying: ‘We want to do it a different way.’ It's just no longer right to say evil nasty Crown, good angel iwi. It's not like that at all.” — Supreme Court judge Sir Joe Williams.

'It was very spiritual': Musicians share stories of song and te reo while recording Waiata/Anthems

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · May 02, 2021 5:00 AM

"I walked into the studio, met Don, sung it a few times and then left. Little did we know what it would go on to become."

This doesn’t make us less

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · May 02, 2021 3:29 AM

“Some of my generation may never receive the precious gift of time and energy to learn te reo Māori. This doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt. This doesn’t mean it doesn’t cut deeper each day.” Shelley Burne-Field on the pain of being 'reo-less'.

Māori Language Moment recognised in global awards

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · April 29, 2021 11:00 AM

Māori Language Moment named a finalist in the globally recognised Reed Awards.

Language, and more: The challenges for kura Māori students arriving at university

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · April 23, 2021 11:50 AM

Raiha Cook grew up attending kura Māori, but when she decided to study at the University of Otago she found the move from te ao Māori to European-style learning difficult. Now she's researching that transition to help make it easier for students to feel safe at mainstream universities.

How non-Māori students play a part in te reo revitalisation

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · April 16, 2021 3:36 PM

A research first has highlighted the important role of non-Māori learning te reo for the revitalisation of the language. Charlotte Muru-Lanning spoke to Dr Will Flavell about where the language is going. Before he started learning te reo Māori, Dr Will Flavell (Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Whatua, Ngāti Mani

Poetry of US civil rights activist Maya Angelou translated and heard in te reo Māori

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · April 16, 2021 3:30 PM

For the first time, well-known poems by famous poet Maya Angelou have been translated into te reo Māori and recited to celebrate wāhine and te reo rangatira.

Making te reo Māori cool: what language revitalisation could learn from the Korean Wave

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · April 16, 2021 3:27 PM

The state-sponsored pop cultural renaissance of Korea shows how language isn't an obstacle to world domination.

Stacey Morrison: Te reo growing pains

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · April 16, 2021 11:13 AM

When there were cries of "Māori snowflakes" in the media, it seemed to me the writer was inadvertently confirming the genuine snowball effect that Te Reo.

Reikura Kahi: Fuelling a love for te reo

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · April 16, 2021 9:38 AM

“It's up to us to keep fighting for our language and ensure its survival. Our language is essential to our identity as Māori.” — Reikura Kahi.

I'm non verbal, but that won't stop me from speaking Māori

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · April 16, 2021 9:34 AM

“For me, te reo adds another dimension to being Māori. It enables one to feel a sense of belonging and connection to their culture and I want to be able to experience that privilege.”

Keep your complaints about te reo Māori to yourself, BSA rules

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · March 09, 2021 1:08 PM

The regulatory body that investigates complaints about our TV and radio programmes has today made it clear that the use of te reo Māori is not a breach of any broadcasting standard. Since June last year, the Broadcasting Standards Authority has received 27 enquiries about the use of te reo Māori

Reclaiming what was lost

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · March 07, 2021 3:29 AM

“That bridge tragedy in 1947 severed my links to my taha Māori. And only now, in my early 40s, am I reclaiming what was lost.” — Cornell Tukiri.

Te Reo Māori: A new era for the language - Hēmi Kelly

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · February 04, 2021 1:44 AM

Hēmi Kelly explores the benefits of learning te reo Māori, and addresses possible obstacles that have hindered learning in the past, so that the language can continue to flourish and reach new heights of recognition in the future.

Record enrolment for te reo Māori, foreign languages down

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · December 24, 2020 12:00 PM

The number of teenagers studying te reo Māori at secondary school has passed 30,000 for the first time.

No longer scared to speak my language

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · December 06, 2020 3:55 AM

My whole life I’ve been scared to speak my language. First I was scared of getting it wrong, then I was scared that I was wrong to be speaking it at all.

Keeping Māori storytelling alive

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · November 29, 2020 3:29 AM

In a world where technology is taking over and oral traditions are at risk of dying with our kaumātua, Lee Timutimu, with the help of a few famous friends, has made it his mission to keep Māori storytelling alive.

A whānau affair

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · November 21, 2020 3:53 AM

“We have almost four generations of te reo Māori speakers in our family. My goal in life before I leave this earth is that those teachings will funnel down to the next three generations after my children.” — Eli Smith.

Fish and chips and a serving of te reo

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · November 15, 2020 3:29 AM

The Matthews have been serving up te reo to their customers since 2018. The response from customers was so enthusiastic that they decided to host a beginners reo Māori class at the restaurant. Free. They were blown away when about 3,000 people showed interest.

This Pākehā life

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · November 12, 2020 4:01 AM

“I decided to enrol in an immersion course at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, in South Auckland. My friends were impressed, commending me for my ‘bravery’.” — Alison Jones

Reflecting the reo world

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · November 05, 2020 11:47 PM

Kristin Ross on the challenges of raising children in a reo-Māori speaking household. “Their decision to be a reo Māori-speaking household instantly cut off friends and whānau who either didn't agree with their decision or found it too challenging...”

Karena Kelly: Translating Dr Seuss into te reo Māori

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · October 26, 2020 11:45 AM

Dr Karena Kelly, a specialist in Māori language and linguistics, took on the task of translating Seuss’ last book published before his death Oh, The Places You’ll Go.

Young Māori clothing designer finds his passion through te reo

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · October 18, 2020 1:00 PM

Luke Moss is a clothing designer from Te Kuiti who makes clothes centred around Māori identity. Luke grew up hating being Māori but connected with his culture after learning te reo.

TEST: Who Are The Māori People Of New Zealand?

Posted by Javier Murillo · October 10, 2020 1:00 PM

Sign up for an annual CuriosityStream subscription with 26% off and you'll also get free access to Nebula (a new streaming platform I'm helping to build alon...

Pay attention to those who go before - Tainui Stephens

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · October 03, 2020 3:51 AM

"The words of our old people are the stars that guide us on our language journey", says Tainui Stephens. Here he writes about some of the kaumātua who showed him the way.

Revitalising te reo a three-generation process: Prof Rawinia Higgins

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 19, 2020 10:40 AM

Hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders joined together to speak, sing and celebrate te reo at midday on Monday. This "Maori Language Moment", part of Te Wiki o te reo Maori, was the single largest celebration of the Maori language in our history.

Justice Joe Williams on te reo Māori, and synthesising Aotearoa law

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 19, 2020 5:00 AM

“I learned the reo out of joy for the world finally making sense. And I learned the law out of optimism that if it was the agent for the destruction of my koroua’s mana then it equally could be the agent for the reconstruction of the mana of his mokopuna and great mokopuna...”

Māori studies expert shares 'significant' history of how Te Wiki o te Reo Māori came to be

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 15, 2020 12:00 PM

Vini Olsen-Reeder says a petition delivered to Parliament in 1972 sparked generations of action.

Hinewehi Mohi: Beyond Twickenham

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 13, 2020 11:45 AM

“We’re talking about the creation of a bilingual music industry... Eventually, all our artists will know that this is something they can access and do, and it will become normal that an artist might have a reo Māori track on their album, as much as they might have a remix.”

A yearning for the reo

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · August 20, 2020 12:00 PM

“We need to re-establish communities where the language is used in homes and there’s a support network. We want the language to be caught, not taught. We want a living language, not a textbook language, so my whole dream is to reinstate intergenerational transmission where parents use the language to raise their children.”

Stacey Morrison: Learning te reo Māori is sometimes a luxury

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · August 16, 2020 5:00 AM

Learning te reo Māori is not just an academic exercise, says the broadcaster.

Finding your voice through the reo - Tainui Stephens

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · August 02, 2020 4:17 AM

For a long time, I thought that learning te reo Māori was just about learning a language. How wrong I was. Any language represents the personality of the people who speak it. The hardest part about learning Māori, is learning how to think Māori.

Welcome to the reo-volution: On the explosion in Māori language learning

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · March 02, 2020 2:45 PM

With te reo Māori classes about to start for 2020, the ‘no vacancy’ signs are going up around the country as people continue to flock to learn our native language. There’s no denying that a reo-volution is underway across Aotearoa.

Pimp my reo - Moana Maniapoto

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · February 09, 2020 4:08 AM

I’ve always wanted to be confidently fluent and, at times, I’ve felt like it’s been within my grasp, that I’ve almost got there. But then I let it slip away. Other priorities and distractions, life and stuff... I’m going in. It’s time to . . . ā-ā-ākona te reo.

Rawinia Higgins: We’re not being too PC about te reo Māori. We’re worried

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · January 16, 2020 2:45 PM

One of our most well-known food companies, Watties, launched a campaign recently that deliberately misspelled place names, in te reo and English. New Zealand’s first language is endangered. We can’t afford to normalise misspelling and mispronunciation any more than it already is.

Celebrating our reo warriors

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · December 01, 2019 4:14 AM

“When the Māori Language Commission first opened its doors in 1987, te reo was viewed by many New Zealanders as something that would divide us. Māori language proponents were often seen as the enemy.”

Timoti Karetu: A stickler for standards

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · October 27, 2019 4:33 AM

A couple of years ago, Timoti Karetu, who’s now 82, was knighted for his services to Te Reo Māori. That KNZM wasn’t any surprise because, in a career spanning 60 years, he’d been a major force on behalf of the language — as a school teacher, university lecturer and professor, haka performer, composer and tutor, author, Māori Language Commissioner, kōhanga reo advocate, mentor and, above all, a stickler for standards.

The woman who fought to say 'kia ora'

Posted by Kiriana Hautapu · September 18, 2018 12:00 PM

In 1984 Dame Rangimarie Naida Glavish was almost fired for saying 'kia ora'. We take a look at how her protest paved the way for Te Reo in New Zealand 🙋🇳🇿...