Te Reo MaoriKia ora! If you happen to be in New Zealand this week (or even just know some Kiwis), why not take part in Māori Language Week?

Running from the 27th July – 2nd August, this years theme is “Te Reo i te Hapori – Māori Language in the Community.”

Te reo Māori is one of two official languages of New Zealand, along New Zealand Sign Language (English is a de facto official language). The language of New Zealand’s indigenous population, it’s experiencing something of a resurgence, with Māori language schools and it being taught at primary school. The national newspaper, the New Zealand Herald is getting involved, with some classic Kiwi phrases translated into Māori. If you’re already a fluent speaker, here’s an editorial celebrating the week in Te Reo (there’s an English translation too!).

I took a few classes in Te Reo when I lived in New Zealand, and it was a great way to connect with Māori culture. Here are some ideas for participating in the week, why not get involved?