This year marks a milestone for Aotearoa as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, running from 14–20 September 2025. What began as a small movement in 1975 has grown into a nationwide celebration of language, culture, and identity. For Ngāti Kahungunu, this is not just a commemoration but a reminder of our responsibility to ensure that te reo Māori remains the heartbeat of our identity.

Last year the inaugural Toitū Te Reo Festival formerly known as Te Reo ki Tua! Māori Language Symposium showcased some of the nation’s most prolific language exponents, well known personalities, and language champions who will inspired and energised everyone who attended.

TOITŪ TE REO 13-14 NOVEMBER 2025

This years event Toitū Te Reo event will take place on the 13-14th November 2025 – Be ready to register to attend soon after the launch – tickets will go fast.

TOITŪ TE REO LAUNCH 17 SEPTEMBER 2025

The launching of Toitū Te Reo will take place on Wednesday, 17 September (mid Māori Language Week), at the Functions Room, Toitoi: Hawke's Bay Arts & Events Centre, on Hastings Street, Hastings.

The morning begins with a ticketed breakfast, and from 7:30am The official launch will be livestreamed. The programme includes an address from Dr Tātere MacLeod, a performance by Tawaroa Kāwana & rōpū, and a brief Q&A session with Sir Tīmoti Kāretu. The breakfast will conclude by 8:15am. Come join us – Nau Mai Haere Mai.

Dr Tātere MacLeod’s key note speech at the Breakfast will highlight the 2025 Toitū Te Reo festival which carries the theme Titiro Whakaroto – Look Within, inspired by Te Arikinui’s recent maiden speech and her ongoing support for te reo Māori. This year’s festival will feature a vibrant street celebration and two symposiums: Rangimamao (full immersion) and Pūmotomoto (entirely in English), offering distinct spaces for deep engagement.

Far from a reaction to government policy, Toitū Te Reo is a proactive, national call to action, an urgent summit inviting whānau, thinkers, and advocates to confront the real challenges facing te reo Māori in 2025. With limited symposium capacity and ticket sales opening next Wednesday, demand is expected to be high. Topics will be unveiled at next week’s address, drawing on grassroots voices and leading minds to spark inspiration, education, and debate.

TOITŪ TE REO LAUNCH – BREAKFAST – 17 SEPTEMBER 2025 - This is a ticketed event https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2025/toitu-te-reo-breakfast-launch/hastings – Nau Mai Haere Mai

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