Share your why

Parani - Auckland

Posted by Parani Waaka · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

It's time.

Pania maudeen - Christchurch

Posted by Pania maudeen Barlow · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

Because I am Maori and want to learn Te reo.

Paige - Christchurch

Posted by Paige How · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

I am Māori and learning and speaking Te Reo Māori is vital to keeping our culture alive in New Zealand.

Paige - Auckland

Posted by Paige Swanepoel · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

As a immigrant in Aotearoa I would like to explore and discover and learn more about this beautiful country and its history and people and cultures.

oscar - Auckland

Posted by oscar phillips · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

because my family only speaks a little Te Reo and i think its important to remember my past.

Om - Papamoa Beach

Posted by Om Shrestha · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

To learn and know about the culture of maori.

Olivier - Lower Hutt

Posted by Olivier Dallet · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

Te current Reo Maori revival is very important to New Zealand Aotearoa cultural entity at home and on the global stage.

Olivia - Wellington

Posted by Olivia Silverwood · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

My ancestors experienced racist policies and poor treatment that disconnected them for their Reo.

Olivia - Papamoa Beach

Posted by Olivia Parata · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

To keep our language alive and thriving for our future generations.

Olivia - Masterton

Posted by Olivia Van der Veen · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

My [Māori] father was adopted into a tauiwi whānau so for both him and I growing up we didn't get to experience te ao Māori.

Oliana - Auckland

Posted by Oliana Eniata from Ōtara · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

We live in Aotearoa!

Olga - Red Beach

Posted by Olga Oosthuizen · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

I want to honour this beautiful culture.

Nopera - Levin

Posted by Nopera Stewart · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

Ma runga tatou te waka reo.

Noeleen - Auckland

Posted by Noeleen Rupapera · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

I would like to converse with my mokopuna who already has te reo maori, i am already on a course for Te Reo Maori, but to be able to do this will only extend and re enforce what i am learning.

Nivana - Hamilton

Posted by Nivana Manson · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

It’s important to me because I want reo to be a part of me and my everyday.

Niva - Auckland

Posted by Niva Rangitutia-Ngawaka · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

He Ngati Raukawa ahau.

Nirvana - Whangarei

Posted by Nirvana Tapu-Manihera · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

My tūpuna were oppressed into not speaking their own language and being a rangatahi of the next generation I feel I am obliged to carry the tikanga and reo in order to gain back our culture.

Nina - New Plymouth

Posted by Nina Silcock · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

I want to be a part of a movement that ensures we keep our taonga that is Te Reo.

Niloufer - Auckland

Posted by Niloufer Carvalho · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

It is great to be a part of this language and culture.

Nikki - Ranfurly

Posted by Nikki Meyer · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

As a teacher it is super important to learn the language of NZ.

Nikki - Nz

Posted by Nikki Hawkey · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

we are on a mission to embed authenticity, context and strategic intent into our organisation around how we use, engage and respect Te Tiriti.

Nikki - Auckla d

Posted by Nikki Matthews · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

It's important for me to take part so I can celebrate my ancestors and keep the reo alive within me and rhaie around me.

Niki - Gisborne

Posted by Niki Mccartney · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

Language is part of identity and culture.

Nicole - Wellington

Posted by Nicole Murray · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

Everyone in Aotearoa should be about to korereo Māori at least a little bit.

Nicole - hamilton

Posted by Nicole Antoniadis · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

just want to be part of the movement by supporting it.

Nicole - Dunedin

Posted by Nicole Lowrey · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

Our school has many bicultural learners, it is so important to recognise heritage in our school environments to set inclusive and caring experiences for our tamariki.

Nicole - Auckland

Posted by Nicole Williamson · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

To recognise my Maori heritage x.

Nicola - Salisbury

Posted by Nicola Nicolle · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

My chosen sister is half Maori, I love her and would love to learn more.

Nicola - Hamilton

Posted by Nicola Duthie · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

As a New Zealander and a teacher it is important for me to keep learning Te Reo Māori.

Nicky - Kapiti

Posted by Nicky Wallace · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

Not being Maori is not an excuse.

Nicki - Auckland

Posted by Nicki Williams · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

It’s important for us all to remember and acknowledge the beautiful language of Aotearoa even if we don’t/can’t all speak it.

Nick - Auckland

Posted by Nick Wilson · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

Keeping the beautiful reo alive in Aotearoa.

Nicholas - Wellington

Posted by Nicholas Greenslade · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

To be an ally.

Nic - Wellington

Posted by Nic Turner · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

Te reo māori is an important part of New Zealand culture and our national identity.

Nic - Hamilton

Posted by Nic Grocott · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

As a pakeha Maori culture has given me so much to be proud of in NZ, and I want to be able to give that back, to do what I can to amplify that part of Aotearoa that I et so much from.

Ngatai - Bell Block, New Plymouth

Posted by Ngatai Walker · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

I am Māori and in a position of being a tumuaki at our school.

Ngapeita - Bunbury

Posted by Ngapeita Karati · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

Because I’ve lived in Australia for so long and have now met my partner who is Australian, I think it’s beautiful to share who I am with him and that includes sharing my culture.

Nganeko - Ōtaki

Posted by Nganeko Wilson · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

Kia whakakaha ai i te rere o to tātou reo ataahua ki tēnei whenua o Aotearoa!

Ngaire - Cambridge

Posted by Ngaire Harris · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

i have always believed Maori language is important to me and my whanau as it is our heritage, however, it is not accepted as valuable by many people, even in my own family.

Neranja - Auckland

Posted by Neranja Ariyathilake · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

Now that I am living in NZ I believe that I need to learn the native language of the country.

nelly - New Plymouth

Posted by nelly brown · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

i used to be quite capable of speaking te reo as a teenager.

Nathan - Kawerau

Posted by Nathan Andrew · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

Ki te ako õku hoa mahi ki te whai te reo maori oti ra ki te korero I te reo maori I na wa katoa.

Natasha - Masterton

Posted by Natasha Tomic · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

It’s important to keep language alive.

Natalie - northland

Posted by Natalie Conner · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

I haven't used my reo or te Ao Maori since I moved to Kerikeri 2 years ago.

Natalie - Hamilton

Posted by Natalie Gillies · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

Because we are New Zealanders - Te Reo Maori is one of our 3 official languages!

Natalie - Auckland

Posted by Natalie Coyle-Smith · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

It is a beautiful language and I am trying to upskill my knowledge of Te Reo Maori and tikanga to show pride in my country and it's heritage.

Nat - Melbourne

Posted by Nat Reti · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

Connection to my whānau.

Nat - Auckland

Posted by Nat Churches · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

I've been lucky enough to live in privilege for most of my life, and one of the most common ways that privilege has been able to express itself in my life is through the blatant misuse and manipulation of Te Reo Maori into a warped version of itself, without any of the respect the language deserves.

Nic - Te Whanganui -a-Tara

Posted by Nic Medway · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

Kahungunu tangata reo, Kahungunu tangata ora!

Naomi - Wellington

Posted by Naomi O'Connor · September 14, 2020 2:55 PM

Because it joins me up with others and being in a group is stronger than being separate, and because it feels a bit risky for me (as a beginner) but the language is at risk and so I think I can take on a little risk for it’s sake.

Naomi - Port Kennedy

Posted by Naomi Gerrard · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

I live in Australia.

Naomi - Napier

Posted by Naomi Collins · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

I Want to be part of the drive to keep this beautiful language flourishing.

Naomi - Dunedin

Posted by Naomi Ingram · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

Because if our bicultural partnership.

Naomi - Auckland

Posted by Naomi Toilalo · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

It couldn't mean more to me, it is my identity, the pursuit of Te reo has given me strength in my identity as a wahine Māori, a deeper understanding of who I am and a deep pride in my whakapapa!

Nadya - Wellington

Posted by Nadya Nicholson · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

Because I live on this land and I want to do my part to honour the language of the real Kaitiaki of the land.

Nadene - upper hutt

Posted by Nadene Crickmar · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

For my family school .

Nadell - Palmerston North

Posted by Nadell Karatea-Kokiri · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

He taonga tuku iho nā o tātau mātua tīpuna.

Naca - Auckland

Posted by Naca Nabunobuno · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

Te Reo is an important part of Aotearoa's cultural identity and we all have a part to play in ensuring future generations benefit from this rich treasure.

Mya - Auckland

Posted by Mya Gaby · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

To show respect and to connect with the language of Aotearoa .

Monique - New Plymouth

Posted by Monique Towers · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

As a teacher, learning more te reo and gaining more understanding of the language and culture is important to me.

moetu - Craigieburn

Posted by moetu tawhai · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

cause it it who I am.

Moerangi - Murupara

Posted by Moerangi Capper · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

I want my tamariki and myself to become confident speakers of Te Reo Māori, so I believe any little step we start taking now will produce bigger gains for us in the future .

Moeby - Whangarei

Posted by Moeby Rush · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

It is important to not lose the Māori culture and Te Rio Māori language.

Moana - Napier

Posted by Moana Waiwiri · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

Maori is our identity it is our culture we must celebrate and encourage everyone to speak our native language.

Moana - Christchurch

Posted by Moana McLaughlin · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

I’m proud to be Maori and would like to speak it more everyday.

Moana - Brisbane, Australia

Posted by Moana Marsh · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

As a maori language learner living aboard and away from home, it helps me to show thanks to those that have fought and continue to fight to keep our language alive.

Mistie - Mount Maunganui

Posted by Mistie Baldwin · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

Hi, I love my whanau and want to support and be part of my Iwi.

Mischelle - Hamilton

Posted by Mischelle Edwards · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

To be able to better support my 5 year old in kura and actively help him with his reo and learnings of our tikanga and culture.

Miriama - Rotorua

Posted by Miriama Wickliffe · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

Because if I don't stand now!

Miriama

Posted by Miriama Gemmell · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

Learning Te Reo Māori is a life long journey that happens step by step.

Miriam - Tauranga

Posted by Miriam Morgan · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

Te Reo is part of my heritage and I want to to be celebrated and supported .

Millicent - Auckland

Posted by Millicent Mou · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

I'm proud to be maori.

Mike - Whanganui

Posted by Mike Price · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

To keep the Maori language alive.

Mike - Panguru

Posted by Mike Te Wake · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

Ko Māori tōku ao.

Mike - Auckland

Posted by Mike Chatfield · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

This is our national language - if don't make it part of us then who will?!

Mike - Albion

Posted by Mike Mataora · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

I like maori culture.

Mikaia - Wellington

Posted by Mikaia Leach · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

Kia ūkaipō anō te reo Māori 💛.

Mihi - Wellington

Posted by Mihi Astwood · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

Because when my parents went to school they were hit for speaking Maori whilst there.

Miharo - Pukehou

Posted by Miharo Kerehoma · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

To help schools earn more money to help learn Maori.

Michelle - Whangarei

Posted by Michelle Abernethy · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

Te Reo is a beautiful language and it’s a wonderful journey of self discovery.

Michelle - Wellington

Posted by Michelle Tietjens · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

As a classroom teacher I need to be seen learning and speaking in te reo.

Michelle - Wainuiomata

Posted by Michelle Kingi · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

To be able to communicate with others even if it is in a small way.

Michelle - Ōtautahi

Posted by Michelle Bergman · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

Why wouldn't you?.

Michelle - Orewa

Posted by Michelle Hough · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

As an immigrant wanting to be a citizen, I think it is of utmost importance to immerse myself in the culture and the language, especially because I am studying to be a teacher as well as I have taken on tamariki whāngai.

Michelle - Kirikiriroa

Posted by Michelle Matthews · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

Koorero Maaori mo te Ao katoa.

Michelle - Christchurch

Posted by Michelle Perrin · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

Love the beauty of this language and would love to learn to speak it more.

Michelle - Christchurch

Posted by Michelle Taylor · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

Because I'm a new zealander.

Michele - Whangarei

Posted by Michele McArthur-White · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

Because it's important to NZ in keeping te reo alive for our future generations.

Michele - Tāmaki Makaurau

Posted by Michele Rees · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

Educated when Te Reo Māori was not taught in schools so trying to educate myself.

Michael - Dunedin

Posted by Michael O’Brien · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

Support Te Ao Māori .

micha - Wellington

Posted by micha Carlile-Alkhouri · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

Te reo is a great carrier of culture.

mia - Auckland

Posted by mia paerata · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

so i can speak te reo when im older and so i can speak te reo with my nana.

mia - auckland

Posted by Haemia Melling · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

Because i’m Māori and it’s important to know my tounge.

Meretuahiahi - Ngaruawahia

Posted by Meretuahiahi Watene · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

Kia maimoatia to tātou reo, kia rongo ano hoki wa tatou tamariki/mokopuna I te reo e rere ana I ngā mahi, I ngā wā katoa .

Mereana - Wellington

Posted by mereana brown · September 14, 2020 2:54 PM

Our rangatahi have been going to the Hikoi in Wellington to launch Te Wiki o te Reo Maori for the last few years now and now that it has been cancelled, due to COVID, we feel that we should support this 'moment as well.