50 Years Of Te Wiki O Te Reo Māori Celebrated Across Aotearoa

Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week) is just around the corner! This year, Aotearoa will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Te Wiki – one of the nation’s most celebrated public events.

Born of activism, Te Wiki grew from a single Māori Language Day that began 1972.

“The idea of expanding to a full week was seeded in 1974, and by 1975, Te Wiki had found its footing — and was off!” says Ngahiwi Apanui-Barr, Chief Executive of Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (the Māori Language Commission).

Over the last half-century, Te Wiki has grown from strength to strength. Its beginnings were humble — a week of Māori-led activities, jingles on radio, and grassroots marches. Today, it stands as a nationwide movement for all New Zealanders.

“We’ve gone from a time when te reo Māori was barely heard in public, to a time when it’s sung in stadiums, spoken in workplaces, and celebrated in our homes”.

From protest marches in the 1980s, ad campaigns and bilingual weather reports in the 1990s, to digital movements in the 2000s, including a one-million strong online Māori Language Moment, Te Wiki has continually evolved to meet the times.

Ngahiwi says this year’s 50-year milestone is a tribute to generations of activists, educators, whānau, and communities who never gave up on the dream of hearing te reo Māori everywhere in Aotearoa.

“Māori Language Week existed before te reo was an official language. It existed before the Māori Language Commission (Te Taura Whiri) did. That’s how powerful this kaupapa is — it was built by the people.

“This year we ask New Zealanders not just to celebrate, but to recommit and make te reo Māori a part of your daily life — in your home, your school, your workplace. Every word counts.”

This year, Te Wiki takes place from 14–20 September 2025 and there is something on offer for everyone:

• 50 Wero Reo Māori – Challenge yourself and give our list of 50 reo challenges a go

• Pūtahi Mahara – Be part of history by contributing to our reo Māori digital time capsule

• Heia tō ihi, heitiki! – Wear and share the heitiki with pride on social media.

• New merch drop coming - In partnership with The Warehouse, our next drop of Kia Kaha te Reo Māori kākahu and merch will be ready for Te Wiki

• Hīkoi mō te Reo – Join us on the Wellington Waterfront to celebrate te reo Māori

• Beginner’s te reo kit – Check out some resources to get you started on your reo journey

• Webinar series – Join us every lunchtime to hear from a range of exciting speakers on different aspects of te reo

Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori will be releasing more details around the 50th anniversary campaign, events and resources in the lead-up to the official week in September - check out reomāori.co.nz.

© Scoop Media