Each September, Te Wiki o te Reo Māori takes place to celebrate the revitalisation of te Reo Māori in Aotearoa. This year, Tauranga Girls’ College, supported by the TGC Kaupapa Māori Komiti, held a range of events to help ākonga get involved with Te Wiki o te Reo Māori from 12-18 September.

The event of the week was TGC’s annual haka and waiata competition on Tuesday, where months of practice came to fruition in the biggest house event of the year. Guest judges Whaea Mauria Togo and 2021 Deputy Head Prefect of Cultural Diversity Kahurangi Ngatai joined Tumuaki Ms Kanji on the judging panel, and boy did they have a tough job! All five Houses put on outstanding performances, with Sheppard House taking the win, followed by Te Auetu, Mansfield, Whina, and Batten.

Throughout the week, various other events were held by TGC’s Kaupapa Māori Komiti including poi making and traditional Māori games. On Wednesday a Ra Whakangahau was held in the hall with some beautiful performances, delicious kai and a collaborative art piece.

“We all had so much fun. Thank you to everyone who supported us, and came along to celebrate!” says Kaupapa Māori Prefect Kennedy De Bono.

Our ākonga had a wonderful time celebrating Te Wiki o te Reo Māori and taking part in the annual haka and waiata competition. Ngā mihi nui ki a koe to our Kaupapa Māori Komiti for all of your hard work putting these events together!