Ake, Ake, Ake: Te Reo Māori Revitalisation Efforts Shift Focus Toward Year-Round Momentum

Aotearoa has concluded another successful Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, but as the celebrations wrap up, attention is shifting toward maintaining the language's momentum throughout the entire year. Reporting by Waatea News on Thursday, 24 September 2026, highlights that the focus is now on integrating the language into the daily lives of whānau, workplaces, and schools under this year’s theme, "Ake, Ake, Ake – A Forever Language." Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (the Māori Language Commission) has emphasized that homes, marae, and public services all play vital roles in ensuring the language flourishes beyond a single week of celebration. This push for visibility and usage is bolstered by the strength of rangatahi participating in kaupapa like Ngā Manu Kōrero, where young speakers continue to demonstrate the power of Māori oratory. The Commission remains focused on overcoming challenges such as the need for more Māori-language teachers and sustained policy support. At the government level, the Crown is currently refreshing Maihi Karauna, its Māori language revitalisation strategy. This updated framework, which acknowledges the shared responsibility between the Crown, iwi, and Māori, is expected to be completed during 2026. While Māori Language Commissioner Professor Rawinia Higgins has previously noted the challenges of te reo Māori being caught in political debates regarding government branding, the Commission continues to advocate for the language as a cultural cornerstone rather than a political tool. The goal for the coming year is to ensure the energy seen at events like the Te Wiki parade and Manu Kōrero translates into a language that is protected and passed down every day. By focusing on "Te Reo Towns" and community-wide visibility, advocates aim to ensure that te reo Māori remains a living, spoken language for future generations.