Communities across the country are preparing to come together to celebrate the indigenous language of Aotearoa New Zealand for Māori Language Week - Te Wiki o te Reo Māori.

“Te Wiki o te Reo Māori is an opportunity to recognise a unique part of our national identity and to celebrate the collective journey we are taking towards its revitalisation,” Minister of Māori Development Willie Jackson said.

“Whether we are in Paris, Kaipara, Sydney or Christchurch, te reo unites New Zealanders. Go to website to find out what others are doing and how you too can get involved.”

Born out of protest, the week is now about promoting te reo to everyone. 

This year will also mark the third Māori Language Moment - Te Wā Tuku Reo Māori, a challenge to stop and celebrate te reo for a moment. Devised by Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori, the aim is to get more than one million people taking part: because one million speakers are needed by 2040 to safeguard the language.

Queenstown Lakes District Council is also encouraging locals to get behind the virtual Māori Language Moment, which invites the population to stop what they’re doing and celebrate te reo Māori at 12pm on Thursday September 14. 

The event marks the moment the Māori Language Petition was presented to Parliament in 1972, on the first Māori Language Day. Three years later it became what we now know as Te Wiki o te Reo Māori.

“I want to encourage everyone to get involved and have a go in the festivities this week and support our beautiful culture and language so it can be cherished for generations,” Willie said.

Wānaka Library will also be hosting a special te reo Māori pre-schooler’s story time, including an activity book for tamariki to take away, today (Wednesday September 13) between 10.00-11.00am. 

PHOTO: Supplied