Last week we celebrated Māori Language week with lots of different activities. The chosen theme for 2020 is again 'Kia Kaha te Reo Māori’.

Our school plays an active role in revitalising the Māori language, and celebrating and promoting te reo Māori. Māori language week is an opportunity for concentrated celebration, promotion and encouragement.

Māori Language Week has been celebrated since 1975 & September 14 commemorates the presentation of the 1972 Māori Language petition to Parliament.

‘Kia Kaha’ is well understood in New Zealand English with its meaning of ‘be strong’. We often talk about languages as if they are people – talking about language health, strength and revitalisation. So when we say ‘Kia Kaha te Reo Māori’ we’re saying - ‘Let’s make the Māori language strong'.

Our learners participated in some great lunchtime options to embrace the week - Harakeke (flax) weaving, Wharewhare (Housie/Bingo), Kawakawa fruity tonic, Tama-nui Te ra (How Maui slowed the Sun Art) & also tītī tōrea & tī rākau (Māori stick games).