Next week the country celebrates the 50th anniversary of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week).
https://www.reomaori.co.nz/ states "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."
Te Wiki o te Reo Māori is an important part of our calendar year. It is a time to stop and reflect about what we can do - not just this week, but all the weeks - to support and grow te reo and tikanga Māori in our communities.
We know that learning a second language is the best thing that you can do for your brain (Thanks Nathan Wallis for that information!). By engaging with te reo you not only strengthen those neurological pathways but you also enable our wider society to become a more culturally accepting and supportive place. Cultural communication is essential in all places. We want to be able to talk with each other and work together - not past one another. By supporting Te Wiki o te Reo Māori you are supporting kindness, acceptance, cultural integrity and identity.
One really good way to make some first steps or strengthen the work you are already doing is to engage with our local histories and mana whenua. Follow the link to learn about Ōtepoti and Ōtakou Rūnaka.
https://www.otakourunaka.co.nz/historyandstories
You could also try having a look at the Ngāi Tahu Atlas which will tell you all about the original and correct names for many places in Te Wai Pounamu called Kā Huru Manu - check it out here - https://kahurumanu.co.nz/atlas/.
There are HEAPS of resources out there to help you and your whānau step up your language and cultural knowledge of Te Ao Māori. Check out any of the following:
https://www.tetaurawhiri.govt.nz/
https://www.reomaorimai.co.nz/
https://www.otakourunaka.co.nz/
In addition to these you could also come and check out the senior drama play this year who are putting on "The Battalion". Details are as follows: https://hail.to/john-mcglashan-college/article/ATlfIlF
Toitū te reo Māori. Ake ake ake!
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