Kerikeri resident reflects on seven-year te reo Māori journey during Te Wiki o te Reo Māori

A Kerikeri resident is sharing her journey of learning te reo Māori to celebrate Te Wiki o te Reo Māori 2026. Sue Devaliant, who is of New Zealand European descent, has been studying the language on and off since 2019, beginning her formal education at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. The theme for this year’s Māori Language Week, 'Ake, Ake, Ake – A Forever Language,' highlights the enduring nature of the reo with a specific focus on 'Te Reo Towns.' Speaking to the Northern Advocate, Devaliant explained that her decision to learn was driven by a desire to show respect through the correct pronunciation of names and places. She described te reo Māori as a living, official language of Aotearoa that she enjoys hearing within her local community. Despite the challenges of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, Devaliant has continued her studies through community classes hosted by Ngāti Rēhia in Kerikeri. These local classes have provided deeper insights into Te Ao Māori, including the local dialect, pūrākau (traditional stories), and regional history. Devaliant noted that her confidence has grown, allowing her to deliver her pepeha and understand the tikanga (customs) associated with marae, tangi, and pōwhiri. She described the learning environment as a place where she has built new networks and a sense of belonging among like-minded people. Encouraging others to begin their own journey, Devaliant stressed the importance of indigenous language to the identity of Aotearoa and its role in honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi. While she admits finding opportunities to practice can be a challenge, she incorporates greetings and simple phrases into her daily life, viewing the language as a vital part of New Zealand’s cultural fabric.