Kaitāia Welcomes Inaugural Reo Towns Celebration to Honour Māori Language Week

The Far North community of Kaitāia is hosting its first-ever Reo Towns event today to celebrate the 51st Te Wiki o te Reo Māori. The celebration, held at Te Rerenga Wai o Tangonge (Kaitāia Town Square) from 3:00pm to 5:15pm, aligns with the 2026 official theme: 'Ake, Ake, Ake – A Forever Language'. The event was made possible after Ngā Waka Kōtuitui secured funding through the nationwide Reo Towns kaupapa, an initiative led by Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori and Te Mātāwai to normalize the language in everyday spaces. Co-organiser and Ngā Waka Kōtuitui co-founder Sherry Pomare told the Northern Advocate that the afternoon will weave together tikanga, kōrero, and kapa haka. Kaumātua Hone Paitai will open the proceedings with a karakia and share historical insights regarding the significance of the town square's name. A major highlight is expected at 4:30pm with a community waiata tahi, where attendees are encouraged to join in performing 'Toro Mai', 'Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi', and the Muriwhenua anthem 'Ko Ngāti Kurī'. The event, co-hosted by Te Hiku Hauora, serves as a hub for those seeking to further their language journey. Local learning providers including Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and Far North REAP are on-site to showcase available reo pathways. Pomare emphasized the importance of acknowledging the activists and advocates from Te Tai Tokerau who were instrumental in the original Māori language petition and the subsequent revitalisation movement. Beyond the performances, the community can enjoy a free sausage sizzle and spot prizes. Pomare noted that the day is about ensuring all whānau—both Māori and non-Māori—feel encouraged to take the next step in their reo journey while celebrating the ancestral language that continues to grow across the region.