Māori Language Week starts off strong

The biggest yet, filling Wellington’s City streets with children, schools, families, businesses, and organisations. 

Choruses of waiata rang out through the procession as hundreds of people carried signs printed with this year’s theme, Kia Kaha te Reo Māori (Keep the Māori language strong).

The end of the parade was met with Kapa Haka performances, speeches, and waiata. 

Wellington Mayor Justin Lester welcomed the crowds that packed Te Ngākau to the brim. 

“Te Reo Māori is an integral part of who we are and a hugely important part of our country” he said.

 “It makes us unique, it makes us special, and it’s something I’m distinctly proud of.”

Students Geordie Bean and Tennessee Crawford-Vito from Wellington College said their school helps them embrace te Reo Māori in many ways.

“We have a Tu Tama Ora Māori Leadership Group [at school] that gets all the Māori boys together” says Bean.

“We have lunches, sports events, and take trips to a Marae to learn more about our culture.” 

Crawford-Vito says the best thing about Māori Language Week is seeing everybody getting involved and trying to use te Reo more. 

“A lot of people can’t speak the language, but nonetheless we celebrate it. 

“You know, without the language, there’s no culture.”