Te Wiki o te Reo Māori – Māori Language Week – in Whanganui

Published on 09 September 2021

Whanganui District Council is encouraging the community to participate in this year’s Te Wiki o te Reo Māori – Māori Language Week – which takes place from Monday, 13 Mahuru (September) until Sunday, 19 Mahuru 2021.

Whanganui residents of all ages are invited to celebrate Te Wiki o te Reo Māori by sharing the ways they’re using te reo. The council’s Māori Information Librarian, Jasmin Ratana, says “Te Wiki o te Reo Māori is all about using the language in whatever way you can – simply try out one word, a greeting or a full sentence – be bold and give it a go!”

This year the council is running an activity on its Facebook page. Jasmin Ratana says, “Under COVID-19 alert levels, we want you to focus on activities around your home so that everyone stays safe. 

“Activities could include cooking a meal, playing a game or just relaxing with your whānau. Add a photo, drawing, or even your kōrero in a video to the comments section of the council’s Facebook page to show us how you like to use te reo.

“Make a post on the council’s Facebook page featuring te reo and you’ll also be in to win a great prize!”

Post your contribution into the comments on the Te Wiki o te Reo Māori post on the council’s Facebook page.

Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare o Rehua Whanganui education officer, Sietske Jansma, will co-ordinate entries and two $50.00 grocery vouchers will be awarded as spot prizes. Ka rawe!

The Te Wiki o te Reo Māori team at Whanganui District Library Te Whare Pukapuka o Whanganui will also be helping council staff with the opportunity to practise their te reo.

Jasmin Ratana says, “This is a great time to acknowledge how far we have come over the years with the inclusion of te reo Māori in everyday life and to affirm that we will continue to cherish this language that is unique to Aotearoa.”

More information, resources and ideas for Te Wiki o te Reo Māori 2021 can be found at: www.tetaurawhiri.govt.nz