Te Wiki o te Reo Māori 2026: A Call for Kindness and Persistence in the Language Journey

Te Wiki o te Reo Māori officially commenced on Monday, 14 September 2026, with a strong message of encouragement for learners and a call for patience from fluent speakers. Professor Rawinia Higgins, the chair of Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (the Māori Language Commission), is urging New Zealanders to move past the fear of making mistakes and to take small, consistent steps toward using the language in their daily lives. Speaking as the week-long celebration began, Professor Higgins emphasised that the survival of te reo Māori is a shared responsibility, likening the revitalisation effort to a relay race. According to Higgins, every generation has a vital role to play in carrying the language forward before passing the baton to the next. She noted that while younger Māori, Pacific, and Asian populations are growing, it is also heartening to see kaumātua and kuia beginning their own learning journeys to support the heritage of their grandchildren. This year’s celebrations continue the theme of "Ake, Ake, Ake – A Forever Language," with a specific focus on "Te Reo Towns." Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori and Te Mātāwai are inviting local communities across the motu to lead their own unique celebrations. The goal is to ensure te reo is heard, seen, and lived in every corner of Aotearoa, moving beyond a centralised focus in major cities. Each day of the week will highlight different sectors, including te reo in business, sport, and whānau settings. Professor Higgins told RNZ that the commission’s research shows te reo Māori is increasingly viewed as a valuable component of New Zealand’s national identity. She challenged New Zealanders to consider their future contribution to the language, suggesting that even basic proficiency and correct pronunciation represent major steps toward social unity and cultural preservation.