The first national Māori Language Day, on 14 September 1972, was marked by the presentation of a petition on the steps of Parliament.

More than 30,000 people signed, calling for te reo Māori to be taught in schools. Fifty years on the anniversary of this event was acknowledged by kura and tangata across the motu.

Kei konei a te Kura o Rapaera- here at Raphael House, the whole school gathered in the gym at 12pm-ish to sing, Ngā Iwi I, E Minaka ana, me Tihore mai te Rangi.  E miharo ana!

Look out for us performing this to the school community on the driveway towards the end of Mahuru Māori.

Te Kura o Rapaera was also present at Pāremata-Parliament.  Anika Bruce and Whaea Sharon went to watch some of the celebrations that were taking place.