July 31, 2019
Learning reo chance to make amends
September's Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori will be officially launched this afternoon at the Wharewaka on Wellington's waterfront by Governor General Dame Patsy Reddy today.
Te Taura Whiri chief executive Ngahiwi Apanui expects it to be the biggest yet.
Parades are planned in Wellington, Auckland, Manukau, Hamilton, Gisborne and elsewhere.
He says the increased interest and support for the language is being reflected in the support for the Ihumātao action and other Māori protests.
"With every generation there will be a fight to be had and the treaty will never be settled, it will just continually be honoured, and that is what our people will be asking for. That is what I love about te reo Māori, because for most New Zealanders it's a little way they can give back, can make amends, by learning the language and helping keep it alive. That is what I love about te reo Māori too. Most New Zealanders can't return the land, they can't make decisions for the government, but they can learn te reo Māori," Mr Apanui says.
Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori runs from September 9 to 15, and the Māori Language Commission is encouraging iwi, hapū, organisations, businesses, schools and individuals to plan their celebrations now.
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