Celebrate Te Wiki o te Reo Māori

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Whakanuia Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori 2026!

This week we're celebrating Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week) from 14th–20th September.

The theme for 2026 is Tāone Reo Māori (Māori Language Towns/Cities) under the ongoing banner Ake, Ake, Ake – Mō Ake Tonu Te Reo Māori (A Forever Language – For the Sake of Te Reo Māori Forever).

This year's focus celebrates communities, towns, and cities that bring the language to life and encourages everyone to use te reo in daily life.

It's all about getting involved, no matter how big or small: whether that’s creating and practicing your mihi, learning a new word, or incorporating a phrase into your daily routine.

Want to join in but not sure where to start?

Here are a few ideas to get you going:

Print out posters to put up in your workplace or home (Download them here)
Add the campaign banner to your Email signature here
Listen to podcasts like Taringa or Everyday Māori
Learn and use your Mihi to introduce yourself to anyone new
Practice your pronunciation and learn the Māori alphabet

Find more ideas on how to get involved here!

It is a dedicated week aimed at inspiring New Zealanders to learn, speak, and celebrate te reo Māori in homes, schools, workplaces, and public spaces across Aotearoa.
Following decades of language decline caused by assimilation policies, Māori activists and young leaders formed movements like Te Reo Māori Society to petition the government. The initiative began as Te Rā o te Reo Māori (Māori Language Day) in 1972 before expanding to a full week in 1975.
- Kia Kaha te Reo Māori: Start by incorporating basic greetings like Kia ora (hello), Mōrena (good morning), or Aotearoa (New Zealand) into daily conversation.
- Māori Language Moment: Join the synchronised nationwide movement where over a million people pause to speak, sing, or listen to te reo Māori at the exact same time.
- Pronunciation Practice: Focus on learning correct vowel sounds and macrons.