Te Wiki o te Reo Māori

Te Wiki o te Reo Māori
Government House (New Zealand) https://gg.govt.nz/copyright-and-licensing · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Name	Te Wiki o te Reo Māori
Type	Cultural observance
Observedby	New Zealand
Significance	Promotion of the Māori language
Date	September (annual)
Frequency	Annual

Te Wiki o te Reo Māori is an annual week-long observance held in September to promote the use and status of the Māori language within Aotearoa New Zealand. The initiative connects communities, schools, media, iwi, and government bodies through coordinated events, campaigns, and education programmes. It intersects with cultural institutions, broadcasting networks, heritage organisations, and legislative frameworks that shape language revitalisation.

Background and Origins

The campaign traces roots to language activism associated with figures and organisations such as Ngā Tamatoa, Hone Heke, Māori Women's Welfare League, He Taua, and later advocacy involving Whina Cooper, Te Puea Hērangi, Dame Te Atairangikaahu, and iwi leadership from Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu, and Ngāi Tahu. Institutional milestones that influenced its formation include the establishment of Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust, Whānau Āwhina Plunket, Te Ataarangi, and the advent of media platforms such as Radio New Zealand, TVNZ, Māori Television Service, and NZ On Air commissioning Māori-language content. Legal and policy events like the passage of the Treaty of Waitangi settlements, the recognition of the Māori Language Act 1987, and the work of the Waitangi Tribunal helped create a climate where a week-long language promotion could gain traction.

Objectives and Themes

Organisers set objectives aligned with language policy and cultural revitalisation goals linked to institutions such as Te Puni Kōkiri, Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori, Ministry of Education, New Zealand Parliament, and local authorities like Auckland Council and Wellington City Council. Themes often resonate with historical events and cultural commemorations involving Matariki, Waitangi Day, Anzac Day, and notable individuals like Sir Apirana Ngata, Dame Whina Cooper, and Sir Āpirana Ngata. The thematic focus also intersects with education initiatives from University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington, Massey University, University of Otago, and vocational frameworks such as Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

Activities and Events

Popular activities range across education, media, and community sectors, involving organisations such as Kura Kaupapa Māori, Kōhanga Reo, Auckland Grammar School, Christchurch Boys' High School, Rotorua Museum, Auckland War Memorial Museum, Te Papa Tongarewa, and broadcasting partners RNZ Concert, Newshub, and Prime Television. Events include language workshops run by groups like Te Ataarangi Trust, haka performances by kapa haka groups affiliated with Te Matatini, book launches at Auckland Libraries, poetry readings tied to writers associated with Hēmi Kelly, Witi Ihimaera, Keri Hulme, and theatre productions staged at venues such as Circa Theatre, The Civic Theatre, and Shed 6. Campaigns often collaborate with award frameworks like the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards and music organisations linked to APRA AMCOS New Zealand.

Impact and Reception

Coverage and reception involve national bodies and media outlets including Stuff.co.nz, The New Zealand Herald, The Dominion Post, New Zealand Herald (Auckland)', Radio New Zealand, and international attention through connections with diaspora communities in London, Sydney, Wellington, Auckland, and Christchurch. Measured impacts cite increased enrolment in programmes at institutions such as Kāpiti College, Christchurch Girls' High School, and language-learning uptake at universities like Massey University and Victoria University of Wellington. Critical responses reference reports from organisations such as Human Rights Commission, Te Puni Kōkiri, and academic research from University of Waikato, University of Canterbury, and University of Otago.

Promotion and Education Initiatives

Educational initiatives partner with entities including Ministry of Education, NZQA, ERO, Kura Kaupapa Māori, Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust, and tertiary providers such as Auckland University of Technology and Lincoln University. Curriculum resources and digital tools come via collaborations with Education New Zealand, N4L, NZ On Air, and technology partners in the private sector like Spark New Zealand and Vodafone New Zealand. Professional development for teachers is often delivered through regional offices of Te Puni Kōkiri and university departments including School of Māori Studies, University of Auckland and language research centres at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi.

Participation and Community Involvement

Community participation spans iwi organisations such as Tūhoe, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Toa, and Ngāti Raukawa, marae collectives, urban Māori organisations like Ngāti Akarana, and youth groups connected to Youthline and Ngā Rangatahi Toa. Corporate and non-profit partners include Fonterra, Air New Zealand, Z Energy, Kiwibank, Warner Bros. NZ, and cultural trusts such as Creative New Zealand and Phantom Billstickers. Volunteer networks coordinate with sporting bodies including New Zealand Rugby, Netball New Zealand, and New Zealand Football to integrate te reo activities into major events.

Governmental and Institutional Support

Support frameworks involve legislation and agencies such as Māori Language Act 1987, Official Information Act 1982, Te Puni Kōkiri, Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori, and policy bodies within New Zealand Parliament and ministries like Ministry of Culture and Heritage and Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. Funding and strategic planning are administered with input from entities including NZ On Air, New Zealand Lottery Grants Board, Department of Internal Affairs, and local governance through councils such as Auckland Council and Canterbury Regional Council.

Category:Māori language