Google Maps transforms te reo Māori navigation with new local voice partnership

On Thursday, 2 July 2026, Google launched an upgraded pronunciation tool for Google Maps designed to correctly articulate te reo Māori place names. The initiative is a collaboration between the global tech giant and Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (the Māori Language Commission), addressing long-standing frustrations regarding the mispronunciation of indigenous names by digital navigation systems. According to an RNZ report, the update utilizes a new AI-powered text-to-speech (TTS) model. Caroline Rainsford, Google New Zealand country director, stated that advancements in AI have finally enabled the software to pronounce te reo Māori names fluidly within English sentences. She emphasized that the years-long collaboration with the Māori Language Commission was critical to the successful development of the local voice. Ngahiwi Apanui-Barr, chief executive of Te Taura Whiri, described the tool as a vital step in securing the future of the language in a digital context. He noted that because place names carry histories and connect people to their heritage, hearing them spoken accurately is the first step toward the public learning to say them correctly. "This is an important step forward in making te reo Māori a normal, everyday language," Apanui-Barr said. The update is rolling out over the next fortnight. While the initial focus is on cities and towns, such as Taupō or Auckland’s Karangahape Road, the partnership plans to include more streets and roads in future updates. The pronunciation rules are guided by Te Taura Whiri and data from the New Zealand Geographic Board. Users are encouraged to report any remaining errors to help refine the technology. By integrating accurate te reo into everyday technology, the project aims to ensure Māori culture remains visible and audible for all New Zealanders.