Te ara tīmatanga ki te ako i te reo Māori

Why This Matters

Te reo Māori is more than a language—it is a taonga (treasure), a living connection to the culture, history, and identity of Aotearoa New Zealand. For Māori, the revitalisation of te reo is a matter of survival, a way to reclaim what was lost through colonisation and assimilation. For non-Māori, learning te reo is an act of respect, a way to honour the Treaty of Waitangi, and a means of deepening their connection to this land and its people.

Yet, for many, the prospect of learning te reo Māori can feel daunting. Where do you start? What resources are available? How do you find the time and motivation to keep going? This guide is designed to answer those questions. It provides a curated, reviewed list of free courses, apps, and podcasts to help beginners start their te reo Māori journey. Whether you are a complete novice or looking to build on your existing knowledge, this guide will help you find the right resources to suit your learning style, goals, and lifestyle.

At Tārake, we are committed to the revitalisation of te reo Māori. This guide is based on our own experiences learning the language, as well as feedback from our readers and the wider te reo Māori community. We have tested each of the resources listed below and provide honest, practical reviews to help you make informed choices.

The State of te reo Māori in 2026

Te reo Māori is experiencing a renaissance. According to the 2023 Census, over 1 million New Zealanders (around 20% of the population) can hold a basic conversation in te reo Māori, up from just 4% in the 1980s. This growth is the result of decades of effort by Māori leaders, educators, and communities, as well as increased support from the New Zealand government.

Key Milestones in te reo Māori Revitalisation:

• 1987: Te reo Māori is recognised as an official language of New Zealand under the Māori Language Act 1987.

• 2004: Māori Television (now Whakaata Māori) launches, providing a national platform for te reo Māori content.

• 2016: The Māori Language Act 2016 establishes Te Mātāwai, an agency to lead the revitalisation of te reo Māori.

• 2020: The New Zealand government announces a $200 million investment in te reo Māori, including funding for education, media, and community initiatives.

• 2025: Te Reo Māori in Schools programme is introduced, making te reo Māori a core subject in all New Zealand primary schools.

Despite this progress, te reo Māori remains a minority language, and its future is not guaranteed. The 2025 Report on the Health of te reo Māori by Te Mātāwai found that while the number of speakers is growing, the language is still at risk in some communities, particularly among younger generations. The report emphasised the need for continued investment in education, media, and community initiatives to ensure the language's survival.

Why Learn te reo Māori?

There are many reasons to learn te reo Māori, both personal and professional. Here are some of the most compelling:

1. Cultural Connection: Learning te reo Māori is a way to connect with the culture, history, and identity of Aotearoa New Zealand. It deepens your understanding of Māori values, practices, and worldviews.

2. Respect for the Treaty of Waitangi: The Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand's founding document, recognises te reo Māori as a taonga (treasure) to be protected. Learning the language is a way to honour this commitment and uphold the principles of the Treaty.

3. Professional Advantages: In many fields, particularly in education, health, social services, and media, knowledge of te reo Māori is a valuable skill. It can open up job opportunities, improve your ability to work with Māori communities, and enhance your cultural competency.

4. Cognitive Benefits: Learning any new language has cognitive benefits, such as improved memory, problem-solving skills, and multitasking abilities. Learning te reo Māori, with its unique structure and sounds, can be particularly rewarding.

5. Personal Growth: Learning te reo Māori is a challenging but deeply rewarding experience. It requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. The sense of achievement that comes from mastering a new language is unparalleled.

6. Community Building: Learning te reo Māori is a way to connect with others who share your passion for the language. Whether it is through a class, a language nest (kōhanga reo), or an online community, learning te reo can help you build new relationships and strengthen existing ones.

How to Learn te reo Māori: A Step-by-Step Guide

Learning te reo Māori is a journey, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. However, there are some key steps you can take to set yourself up for success:

1. Set Clear Goals

Before you start, take some time to think about why you want to learn te reo Māori and what you hope to achieve. Setting clear, achievable goals will help you stay motivated and focused.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

• Why do I want to learn te reo Māori?

• What do I hope to achieve? (e.g., hold a basic conversation, understand a pōwhiri, read a book in te reo)

• How much time can I realistically commit to learning each week?

• What is my learning style? (e.g., visual, auditory, kinesthetic)

Example Goals:

• Beginner: Learn 50 basic words and phrases in te reo Māori.

• Intermediate: Hold a 5-minute conversation in te reo Māori.

• Advanced: Read a short story or article in te reo Māori.

• Fluent: Speak te reo Māori confidently in a range of contexts.

2. Choose the Right Resources

There are a wealth of resources available for learning te reo Māori, from free apps and podcasts to paid courses and immersion programmes. The key is to choose resources that suit your learning style, goals, and lifestyle.

Types of Resources:

• Apps: Convenient and interactive, apps are a great way to learn on the go. They often use gamification to make learning fun and engaging.

• Podcasts: Podcasts are a great way to improve your listening skills and learn about Māori culture and history. They can be listened to anytime, anywhere.

• Online Courses: Online courses provide structured learning and often include interactive exercises, quizzes, and assignments. They can be self-paced or instructor-led.

• Books: Books provide a comprehensive and in-depth approach to learning te reo Māori. They are a great resource for grammar, vocabulary, and cultural context.

• Classes: Classes, whether in-person or online, provide structured learning and the opportunity to practice speaking with others. They are a great way to stay motivated and accountable.

• Language Nests (Kōhanga Reo): Language nests are immersion programmes for learners of all ages. They provide a supportive and immersive environment for learning te reo Māori.

• Community Groups: Joining a te reo Māori community group is a great way to practice speaking, meet other learners, and connect with fluent speakers.

3. Create a Learning Plan

Once you have chosen your resources, create a learning plan to help you stay on track. Your plan should include:

• Daily/Weekly Goals: What do you want to achieve each day or week? (e.g., learn 5 new words, complete a lesson, listen to a podcast)

• Study Time: When and for how long will you study each day or week?

• Practice Time: When and how will you practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing in te reo Māori?

• Review Time: When and how will you review what you have learned?

Example Learning Plan:

4. Practice Regularly

Consistency is key when learning a new language. The more you practice, the faster you will progress. Aim to practice te reo Māori every day, even if it is just for a few minutes.

Ways to Practice:

• Speaking: Practice speaking with a language exchange partner, a tutor, or a friend. If you do not have anyone to practice with, try talking to yourself in te reo Māori or recording yourself speaking.

• Listening: Listen to te reo Māori as much as possible. This could include podcasts, radio shows, TV programmes, or music. The more you listen, the more familiar you will become with the sounds and rhythms of the language.

• Reading: Read in te reo Māori as much as possible. This could include books, articles, social media posts, or even product labels. Start with simple texts and gradually work your way up to more complex material.

• Writing: Practice writing in te reo Māori. This could include journaling, writing social media posts, or sending messages to friends. Start with simple sentences and gradually work your way up to more complex writing.

5. Immerse Yourself

Immersion is one of the most effective ways to learn a new language. The more you surround yourself with te reo Māori, the faster you will progress.

Ways to Immerse Yourself:

• Change the Language Settings: Change the language settings on your phone, computer, or social media accounts to te reo Māori.

• Watch Māori Media: Watch TV shows, movies, and videos in te reo Māori. Whakaata Māori is a great resource for this.

• Listen to Māori Music: Listen to music in te reo Māori. Spotify and YouTube have a range of Māori artists and playlists.

• Follow Māori Social Media: Follow Māori influencers, organisations, and media outlets on social media. This will expose you to te reo Māori in a real-world context.

• Attend Māori Events: Attend Māori cultural events, such as pōwhiri (welcome ceremonies), hui (meetings), or festivals. This will give you the opportunity to practice your te reo Māori and connect with the community.

6. Connect with the Community

Learning te reo Māori is not just about mastering the language—it is also about connecting with the community. The te reo Māori community is welcoming and supportive, and there are many ways to get involved.

Ways to Connect:

• Join a Community Group: Join a local te reo Māori community group or language nest (kōhanga reo). This is a great way to practice speaking, meet other learners, and connect with fluent speakers.

• Attend Events: Attend te reo Māori events, such as Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week) or Te Matatini (a national Māori performing arts festival).

• Volunteer: Volunteer with organisations that promote te reo Māori, such as Te Mātāwai or Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (the Māori Language Commission).

• Support Māori Media: Support Māori media outlets, such as Whakaata Māori, Te Ao Māori News, or Tārake. This helps to promote and normalise the use of te reo Māori in the media.

• Engage on Social Media: Engage with the te reo Māori community on social media. Join groups, follow hashtags, and participate in conversations.

7. Be Patient and Persistent

Learning a new language is a journey, and it takes time, patience, and persistence. There will be ups and downs, and there will be times when you feel frustrated or discouraged. This is normal. The key is to keep going, even when it feels difficult.

Tips for Staying Motivated:

• Celebrate Your Progress: Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Every new word, phrase, or conversation is a step forward.
• Set Milestones: Set milestones along the way to help you stay motivated. For example, aim to hold a 5-minute conversation in te reo Māori within 3 months, or to read a short story within 6 months.
• Find a Buddy: Find a learning buddy—someone who is also learning te reo Māori. You can practice together, share resources, and support each other.
• Reward Yourself: Reward yourself for reaching your goals. This could be something as simple as treating yourself to a favourite meal or activity.
• Remember Your Why: When you feel discouraged, remember why you started learning te reo Māori in the first place. Reconnect with your motivation and keep going.

Free Resources for Learning te reo Māori

Below is a curated list of free resources for learning te reo Māori, including apps, podcasts, online courses, and more. Each resource has been reviewed by the Tārake team, with honest assessments of their strengths, weaknesses, and best use cases.

Apps

Tārake's Pick: Kōrero Māori is the best free app for learning te reo Māori. It is user-friendly, includes audio, and is specifically designed for the language. However, for a more comprehensive learning experience, we recommend supplementing it with other resources, such as podcasts or online courses.