Share your why

Sophien - Tamaki makaurau

Posted by Sophien Brockbank · September 14, 2020 3:00 PM

We can't lose the language.

Sophie - Wellington

Posted by Sophie Petley · September 14, 2020 3:00 PM

Te Wiki o te reo Māori is an opportunity for concentrated celebration, promotion.

Sophie - Tāmaki Makaurau

Posted by Sophie Moskowitz · September 14, 2020 3:00 PM

I am pakeha and believe that we all have a part to play in the decolonisation of aotearoa, and making the effort to learn and use te reo every day is a big part of that.

Sophie - Dunedin

Posted by Sophie Bond · September 14, 2020 3:00 PM

Since having my own children, I've wantedto learn te reo, having never had the chance at school.

Sophia - Devonport, AUCKLAND

Posted by Sophia Mako · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

I am Sophia, 7 years old.

Sophia - Christchurch

Posted by Sophia Beale · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

Te Reo Māori is a beautiful language and one of our national languages.

Sophia - Auckland

Posted by Sophia Olo-Whaanga · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

I want to acknowledge my grandparents who weren't able to speak Te Reo or learn because of the education system when they were growing up.

Sonya - Dunedin

Posted by Sonya Gaches · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

My own indigeniety was taken away from our family (in the USA).

Sonrise Christian Preschool - Gisborne

Posted by Tash Johnson · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

We want to have an authentic relationship with Te Ao Maori and this extends into how we are using language and traditions within our centre environment, our whanau and tamariki and our community.

Sonika - Tauranga

Posted by Sonika Sharma · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

It's important as it is NZ official language and all the New Zealanders should at least have basic knowledge of it.

Sonia - Palmerston North

Posted by Sonia Smith · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

I think te reo is a beautiful language which has important cultural value.

Sonia - Kāpiti Coast

Posted by Sonia Hardie · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

To help promote the importance of te reo māori being learnt/taught to preserve the language.

Sofia - Tauranga

Posted by Sofia Phillips · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

To keep the language alive for the future of Aotearoa.

Skye - Tauranga

Posted by Skye Loach · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

I think it’s very important to understand and acknowledge the language that is our whenua.

Skella - Hamilton

Posted by Skella Keepa · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

I think it's so important as a māori in Aotearoa to be part of what makes us unique.

Sinead - Lower Hutt

Posted by Sinead Senek · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

To me it is important that indigenious languages are recognised and valued.

Simon - Dunedin

Posted by Simon Noble · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

Because te reo is uniquely Aotearoa/NZ and needs to become standard throughout the land.

Sienna - Dunedin

Posted by Sienna Jamieson · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

It is part of my family, and it is something that we can't let be lost over time.

Shraddha - Auckland

Posted by Shraddha Sharma · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

Its important to celebrate the cultural diversity that exists in our beautiful country New Zealand.

Shona - Oamaru

Posted by Shona Paton · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

To be a true new Zealander I must be able to speak and understand some Maori .

Shona - Auckland

Posted by Shona Cobham · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

I believe that we need to protect and foster Te reo Maori as language is culture, and this is our culture.

Shital - auckland

Posted by Shital Wati · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

Helps me grow as learners/learning te reo also enhances my self-esteem.

Sheryl - Auckland

Posted by Kiwi 3 Bmps · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

It is important for us all to understand the importance of reo, and in particular te Reo Māori ki Aotearoa.

Sheree - Raglan

Posted by Sheree Gibson · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

To acknowledge tangata whenua as Te Reo is part of our culture.

Sheralee - Paraparaumu, Kapiti Coast, Wellington

Posted by Sheralee Kingi · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

I am passionate about learning as I am a descendant of Notupango Marae.

Shelley - Tamaki Makaurau

Posted by Shelley Leef · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

This was my fathers and all my tupuna first language.

Shelley - Motueka

Posted by Shelley Dean · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

Te reo is part of the air, the sea and the land of Aotearoa.

Shekinah - Hamilton

Posted by Shekinah Clayton · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

I feel its important to embrace our culture let's blast some Maori songs and feel good.

Shehla - Auckland

Posted by Shehla Aamir · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

Being a New Zealand citizen and an ECE teacher, I think it’s my obligation to acknowledge our unique bicultural heritage of Aotearoa.

Shaynon - Tuakau

Posted by Shaynon Pearson · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

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shayne - Tāmaki Makaurau

Posted by shayne rasmussen · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

Part of my commitment to being an honourable te Tiriti partner.

Shawna - Lynmore, Rotorua

Posted by Shawna Hawke · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

I’m an early childhood teacher and enjoy sharing te reo Māori with the children I teach as well as my own two children.

Shaune - Dairy Flat

Posted by Shaune Blackwell · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

It is important to me that my children can speak all official languages of New Zealand and honour the first people of the land.

Shaughn - Adelaide

Posted by Shaughn Jenkins · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

For our future as a unique blend of cultures, New Zealand needs te reo Maori & personally it connects me back to NZ even when I'm overseas.

Sharon - New Plymouth

Posted by Sharon Jones · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

It is important for me to take part and be involved with learning the language in a hands-on way so I can support other people to do the same.

Sharon - Christchurch

Posted by Sharon Rothera · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

My late partner was Maori 0ur daughter is part Maori,my 3 grandaughter are part Maori so I encourage my grandaughters to learn as much as they can while they are still young .

Sharon - Christchurch

Posted by Sharon Moreham · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

Te reo contains the resonance of this whenua and her tangata.

Sharon - Auckland

Posted by Sharon Topliss · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

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Sharna - Hamilton

Posted by Sharna Johnson · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

I am always up to learning.

Sharlene - Wellington

Posted by Sharlene Powell · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

I am a New Zealander and Maori is an official language of Aotearoa!

Shari - Masterton

Posted by Shari Taylor · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

Ko te reo mauri o te mana Māori.

Sharee - Auckland

Posted by Sharee Harkness · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

I love the vision behind this- to integrate te reo Maori into our everyday language - 1 million speakers by 2040 would be awesome!

Shannon - Chch

Posted by Shannon Spencer · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

To connect myself and my kids with our Whakapapa.

Shani - Kawhia

Posted by Shani Whitiora · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

I'm maori, of Tainui descendant- feel it's time.

Shane - Hamilton

Posted by Shane Vanin · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

to create a better Family connection and to continue learning.

Shane - Christchurch

Posted by Shane Ngapou O Te Hahi Epiha · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

Tena koe,.

Shan - Auckland

Posted by Shan Wilson · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

Maori indigenous culture makes New Zealand special and we need to integrate it and te reo more.

Sene - Auckland

Posted by Sene Henry · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

I was made aware of this by my syndicate leader at school so thought I'd sign up :) .

Seini - Auckland

Posted by Seini Anderson · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

I'm half Maori and Tongan.

Scotty - Katikati

Posted by Scotty Komene · September 14, 2020 2:59 PM

To learn te reo is part of my journey to learn more about myself so that I can continue to teach our rangatahi the importance of knowing who they are.

Scarlett - Tāmaki Makaurau

Posted by Scarlett Manners-Tepania · September 14, 2020 2:58 PM

Kia kaua te reo Māori, me ōna tikanga e mate, e ngaro noa.

Savannah - Otepoti

Posted by Savannah Corbett · September 14, 2020 2:58 PM

I want to be a part of the reo māori moment āpōpō and beyond!

Sars - Dunedin

Posted by Sars Kokaua · September 14, 2020 2:58 PM

Because te reo is an official language of New Zealand.

Sarah-Jane - Dunedin

Posted by Sarah-Jane Hampton · September 14, 2020 2:58 PM

I have friends who speak Te reo and I would love to engage with them and understand them better.

Sarah - Whangaparaoa

Posted by Sarah Porter · September 14, 2020 2:58 PM

Better connection and understanding of Maori community.

Sarah - Wellington

Posted by Sarah Hilyard · September 14, 2020 2:58 PM

As a new New Zealander, Id like to broaden my understanding of culture here.

sarah - Lower Hutt

Posted by Sarah Rangiwhetu · September 14, 2020 2:58 PM

It is important to make Te Reo an integral part of my classroom programme.

Sarah - Glenfield

Posted by Sarah west · September 14, 2020 2:58 PM

To celebrate and recognize the wonderful culture of Te Reo Maori .

Sarah - Gisborne

Posted by Sarah Hatton · September 14, 2020 2:58 PM

I love the language and wish it was a widely spread 1st language of all New Zealanders.

Sarah - Auckland

Posted by Sarah Richmond · September 14, 2020 2:58 PM

I have always wanted to learn but i am a huge procrastinator and unsure of myself, now that i have a daughter who goes to kōhanga it is important to learn more so i can bring te reo into the home as well.

Sarah - Auckland

Posted by Sarah Franklin-Browne · September 14, 2020 2:58 PM

Because it is one of our national languages and it is important to celebrate and learn.

Sarah - Auckland

Posted by Sarah Zydervelt · September 14, 2020 2:58 PM

It would be such a privilege to regularly hear Te Reo Maori spoken walking down the street.

Sara - Blenheim

Posted by Sara Bishell · September 14, 2020 2:58 PM

It has been on my wishlist for a long time to be able to speak te reo.

Sapphire - Ōtaki

Posted by Sapphire Telford · September 14, 2020 2:58 PM

I am on my journey with Te reo Māori and learning about Te Ao Māori and the more I learn the more I realise the importance of this for us as a nation and this journey to truly create a bicultural Aotearoa.

Sandy - Auckland

Posted by Sandy Mackay · September 14, 2020 2:58 PM

I am of ngati porou whakapapa, I know about my some of my whakapapa but have no contact with my iwi.

Sandra - Whangarei

Posted by Sandra Toapuho · September 14, 2020 2:58 PM

To show our support of Te Wiki o te reo Maori.

Sandra - Paraparaumu

Posted by Sandra McDonald · September 14, 2020 2:58 PM

I now try to pronounce Paraparaumu , Kapiti and Otaki correctly.

Sandra - Oxford

Posted by Sandra Blomfield · September 14, 2020 2:58 PM

Te Reo is a toanga to be treasured and preserved.

Sandra - New Plymouth

Posted by Sandra Gower · September 14, 2020 2:58 PM

It’s all about normalising the use of te reo Māori.

Sandra - Lower Hutt

Posted by Sandra Bourguignon · September 14, 2020 2:58 PM

Revive Te Reo Maori, value Maori culture, acknowledge te tiriti o Waitangi.

Sandra - Auckland

Posted by Sandra Kaumoana · September 14, 2020 2:58 PM

He Waa tino motuhake, kahore ano au kia mahia i teenei mahi.

Sandra - Auckland

Posted by Cassandra Kenworthy · September 14, 2020 2:58 PM

I would love to teach my moko,to korero as I have taught them some waiata and karakia kai.

Sandi - Auckland

Posted by Sandi Abaya · September 14, 2020 2:58 PM

I am a migrant who has spent half of my childhood in New Zealand.

Samantha - Wellington

Posted by Sam Burnard · September 14, 2020 2:58 PM

Hey whakapiki, hei whakaora i te reo Māori.

Samantha - New Plymouth

Posted by Samantha Legge · September 14, 2020 2:58 PM

I think its important to embrace Māori culture and all do our part in educating ourselves with Te Reo Māori as much as we can.

Samantha - Auckland

Posted by Samantha Yates · September 14, 2020 2:58 PM

Personally, as a Kiwi Pakeha, I have felt cultureless.

Sam - Wellington

Posted by Sam Rees · September 14, 2020 2:58 PM

Good to always learn especially when it involves the history of New Zealand and it's culture.

Sam - Tauranga

Posted by Sam Dockary · September 14, 2020 2:58 PM

te reo maori is important to nz.

Sam - Kaiapoi

Posted by Sam Scott · September 14, 2020 2:58 PM

I think it’s important we learn the language that formed this country and honour those who were first here.

sam - christchurch

Posted by sam hill · September 14, 2020 2:58 PM

It is our second language and I teach children so they need educating in our native language.

Sally - Wellington

Posted by Sally Wyatt · September 14, 2020 2:58 PM

The reo Maori is a taonga to be treasured by all nzers .

sally - Wellington

Posted by sally marett · September 14, 2020 2:58 PM

I am a kiwi but I never had the opportunity to learn Te Reo, nor the history of Aotearoa NZ so every opportunity now I am so grateful to engage.

Sally - Rotorua

Posted by Sally Hunia · September 14, 2020 2:58 PM

Being in Rotorua it's important to know the reo.

Sally - Napier

Posted by Sally Crown · September 14, 2020 2:58 PM

I am not fluent.

Sahra Ling - Melbourne

Posted by Sahra Ling Smith · September 14, 2020 2:58 PM

Te reo is a treasure.

Saele - Hastings

Posted by Saele Tanielu · September 14, 2020 2:58 PM

Although my ethnicity is samoan, my birthplace is NZ and part of my identity i believe is showing respect and gratitude to my country of birth.

Saba - Kirikiriroa

Posted by Saba Johnston · September 14, 2020 2:58 PM

It's a vital part of being a NZer by acknowledging, respecting and advocating for the integration of Maaori in our lives.

Ryan - Christchurch

Posted by Ryan Burson · September 14, 2020 2:58 PM

te reo Maori is our native language and an official language of Aotearoa, so we should all be able to speak and understand it.

Ruth - Lower Hutt

Posted by Ruth Cooke · September 14, 2020 2:58 PM

Keeping te reo as a living language.

Ruataupare - Waikato

Posted by Josaphine Wharepapa · September 14, 2020 2:58 PM

It's my/ our identity its who we are.

Rotorua - Rotorua

Posted by Rotorua Library · September 14, 2020 2:58 PM

We are committed to acknowledging the history and whakapapa of our district and as part of Rotorua's Reo Rua initiative to promote, encourage and inspire the use of te reo at every opportunity.