Nominations Are Open For Ngā Tohu Reo Māori 2026

Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (the Māori Language Commission) is calling for nominations for Ngā Tohu Reo Māori 2026.

A celebration of the people, organisations and kaupapa championing te reo Māori and helping it thrive in everyday life.

Across Aotearoa, people are stepping up for te reo Māori in big and small ways. You see them, we see them, it’s time to celebrate them together.

It might be someone in your whānau, sports team, workplace or community.

The award categories reflect the full spectrum of mahi New Zealanders carry out daily to uplift te reo Māori, from inspiring new learners and using the language every day, to leadership, awareness and innovation in te reo Māori.

Te Taura Whiri Tumu Whakarae Ngahiwi Apanui-Barr says Ngā Tohu Reo Māori provides an opportunity to recognise and celebrate that mahi.

“Across the country, people are choosing te reo Māori every day, often without fanfare, but always with purpose,” says Ngahiwi Apanui-Barr.

“By celebrating those champions together, we reinforce the value of the language and the impact it has for all of us. The awards play an important role in uplifting te reo Māori and affirming its place in Aotearoa.”

Refreshed in 2025, Ngā Tohu Reo Māori recognises excellence across the five internationally recognised pillars of language revitalisation, alongside the esteemed Tū Rangatira Supreme Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Former winners include Auckland Transport, Spark, Rangiata Sky TV and Māori language heroes such as Kahurangi Naida Glavish and Piripi Walker.

The 2026 winners will be honoured at a special event on the evening 29 October, in Wellington.

Visit the Ngā Tohu Reo Māori web page for more information about the awards, or head to the nomination portal to make a nomination.

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