Māori Language Week 2026
August 2026
This year’s theme aims to highlight how te reo Māori belongs in our everyday life, at home and in the community. We encourage you to give it a go and support your whānau and friends to join in too.
Greet your neighbours and people you see out in your community with a “kia ora”, “mōrena”, “ata mārie” or even a “tenā koe.”
“Tirohia ngā” | look at the …. “kapua” | clouds, “manu” | birds, “rākau” | tree, “waka” | car.
“Kia haere tatou” | let’s go to … “papa tākaro” | park, “whīra” | field.
“Kei te hiahia tākaro koe I te aha?” | What game do you want to play?
“Kia āta kai” | Eat nicely.
“Whakamau ō hũ” | Put your shoes on.
“Ka nui tēnei” | That’s it for now.
“Ākuanei” | Soon.
“Horoia o ringaringa” | Wash your hands.
“Me aro ki to hā.” | Focus on your breathing.
“Kia tīmata ki te whakamahana.” | let’s start with a warmup.
“Kia tā tatou.” | Let’s start drawing.
“Whakaaturia mai tō toi.” | Show me your artwork.
“Kia nui mai ngā tae!” | Let’s make it colourful.
“Kēmu” | Game.
“Hākinakina” | Sport.
“Kia manawanui.” | Hang in there.
“Ka mau te wehi!” | That’s outstanding.
“Kia haumaru, kia kitea.” | Be safe, be seen.
“He pātai tāku?” | Can I ask you something?
“Kia āwhinatia au?” | Can you help me?
“Tēnā, whakaaturia mai?” | Can you show me?
Let’s keep te reo Māori alive and valued in our home and community by continuing to use it in our every day lives. It is vital for supporting cultural identity, respecting Te Tiriti o Waitangi, being respectful and inclusive kaiako, and building appreciation, empathy and language skills in tamariki.
