At Te Kura o Wairakei, we have a strong voice in our strategic plan relating to culturally sustainable practice, which includes in increase in knowledge and usage of Te Reo Māori me tikanga in every day activities.

Māori Language Week

In 2021 Te Wiki o te Reo Māori will be 13-19 September.

Māori Language Week has been celebrated each year from 1975. September 14 and commemorates the presentation of the 1972 Māori language petition to parliament.

Kia kaha te reo Māori

‘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'.

National Māori Language Movement

 “As New Zealanders proved in 2020: te reo Māori is something that unites us no matter who are, or where we live.The commission will host a virtual moment at 12pm on Tuesday 14th September 2021. After registering online, participants can celebrate te reo from wherever they are, in whatever way they wish. In 2020 1,058,356 people sang, recited poetry, paddled waka ama, prayed and celebrated their way into history." 

We have signed Wairakei School Christchurch | Te Kura o Wairakei up for the Māori Language Movement Tuesday 14th September. Our school will have everyone participate at 12pm when some Student Digital Tech experts will to take photos, or film short videos capturing each team in action participating in tākaro / play, waiata / sing, ako / learn and kōrero / talk.These will then be uploaded to tautoko / support the Māori Language Movement 2021.KIa Kaha i Te Reo Māori! 

Karawhiua! Go for it!          Kaea taea e koe! You can do it!

Here is a Fun quiz put out by Stuff this morning if you would like to check your knowledge of basic everyday phrases you may use / hear.

Some practise for you ...

Kei te pehea koe? (how are you? - to one person)

Kei te pai (fine, all good)

Click here to see and hear some different responses in this video

Kei te ngenge ahau (I am tired)
Kei te maauiui ahau (I am sick)
Kei te ora (I am well)
Kei te ruha (I am exhausted)
Kei te hiakai (I am hungry)
Kei te hiainu (I am thirsty)
Kei te hiamoe (I am sleepy)