Author Kylie Reiri Champions Intergenerational Te Reo Māori Growth During Te Wiki o te Reo Māori

As Aotearoa marks Te Wiki o te Reo Māori under the theme 'Ake, Ake, Ake: A Forever Language', author Kylie Reiri is calling on whānau to prioritise the linguistic development of tamariki as the cornerstone of the language’s future. According to a report by Waatea News on 16 September 2026, Reiri believes that surrounding children with te reo Māori is one of the most significant investments families can make to strengthen identity and whakapapa connections. Reiri emphasises that the 'Ake, Ake, Ake' kaupapa represents an ambition that extends far beyond a single week of celebration. She argues that for te reo to thrive as a 'forever language', it must move beyond formal occasions and history books to become a normal part of daily life. By integrating the language into home environments through books, waiata, and dinner table conversations, whānau can build a foundation for natural intergenerational transmission. Acknowledging the impact of historical language loss, Reiri encourages parents and grandparents who may not be fluent to start small. She suggests that adults do not need to wait for total proficiency before introducing Māori into the home. Instead, learning alongside children using resources like picture books can help reconnect an entire whānau to their heritage, turning the learning process into a shared journey of revitalisation. Ultimately, Reiri’s message focuses on shifting the narrative from mere linguistic survival to active transmission. By ensuring tamariki grow up with te reo as their intuitive environment, the Māori community can ensure the language continues to carry the unique tikanga and worldviews of its tūpuna into the next generation.