2025 marks 50 years of Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori!
What is Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori?
Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, or Māori Language Week, is an annual week celebrating the revitalisation of te reo Māori:
"Born of activism, the week grew from a single ‘Māori Language Day’ set up in 1972. The seeds of a full week dedicated to te reo Māori were planted in 1974. By 1975 Te Wiki had found its footing and was off! Its growth and gains are what we celebrate 50 years on.
In that half-century, te reo Māori has moved from the margins to the mainstream. From silence in our schools, to strength in our kura. From homes where te reo was once suppressed, to communities where it now flourishes. From the protests of Ngā Tamatoa, to the pledges of government, iwi, and whānau. This anniversary marks not just 50 years of a campaign, but 50 years of transformation." (from Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori)
Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori 2025 takes place te 14 ki te 20 o Mahuru | 14 - 20 September
How does Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori relate to health?
Te reo Māori isn't just a language: it's a taonga that embeds mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge), whakapapa, tikanga, wairua, and other aspects of Māoritanga.
Sir Mason Durie's Te Whare Tapa Whā model of Māori health explains that a traditional Māori approach to health and wellbeing includes four dimensions:
Hauora tinana (physical health)
Hauora wairua (spiritual health)
Hauora whānau (family health)
Hauora hinengaro (mental health)
Balance is needed across all four dimensions for an individual's overall hauora (wellbeing). Connecting to wairua, whakapapa, whānau, and other aspects of mātauranga Māori and Māoritanga through te reo Māori can all contribute to balancing and strengthening one's hauora.
For example, the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand explains:
"Te Reo Māori itself is healing. Listening, learning and speaking Te Reo Māori is a way to strengthen your identity. Learning Te Reo Māori:
Helps you to create connections – this is whanaungatanga.
Encourages compassion – this is aroha.
Ensures tikanga Māori thrives – this is manaakitanga."
How can I engage with Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori?
Any way you like! But Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori | Māori Language Commission have some great resources and events, including:
Ake ake ake! Kia kaha te reo Māori!
