Kura Moeahu, Chair of Te Rūnanganui o Te Āti Awa, acknowledges those whose commitment to nurturing and revitalising the language ensures its vibrant future.
“As we celebrate Te Wiki o te Reo Māori - Ake Ake Ake, it is the time to honour te reo champions of Te Whanganui-a-Tara, current and next generation. I wish to particularly pay tribute to those who have paved the way, such as Henare Kingi, Piripi Walker, Huirangi Waikerepuru, and many others whose dedication and passion have left a lasting legacy.”
Chair of Taranaki Whānui, Te Whatanui Winiata says: “Te Hui Ahurei Reo Māori is a time to celebrate the resilience and strength of our reo champions in Te Upoko o te Ika.
“Our reo champions continue to inspire the next generation of speakers to ensure to reo Māori is a living and breathing part of who we are as Māori.”
Callum Kātene, Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira Board Chair says Ngāti Toa Rangatira is delighted to support and participate in this celebration of te reo Māori in our city.
“In only a few short years, Te Hui Ahurei Reo Māori has become a cornerstone of our collective efforts to revitalise our shared culture and heritage in an inclusive fashion. We are excited to stand beside our Tākai Here partners, Te Āti Awa Taranaki Whānui and Wellington City Council to champion this exciting event.”
Te Hui Ahurei Reo Māori is brought to Te Whanganui-a-Tara by Te Āti Awa Taranaki Whānui, Ngāti Toa Rangatira and Wellington City Council, with support from Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori, Tāwhiri Festivals & Experiences, Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre, Streamliner Productions Ltd, ATA Social Media Agency, Te Āti Awa Toa FM and the Ministry for Culture and Heritage.
As part of the festival, there'll be a hīkoi from Queens Wharf along the waterfront to Waitangi Park where there'll be music, food trucks and entertainment. Barnett Street car park will be closed from 3pm Sunday 15 September to 3pm Monday 16 September as part of the event.
Monday 16 September
- 10-11am, Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori Parade, Queen's Wharf
- 11-1pm Celebration, Waitangi Park / Barnett Street car park
For tickets, more information, and the full events programme, see tereofest.nz
Wellington City Council is also proudly supporting several other events and promotions for Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, which runs from 14 – 21 September.
Kia Ora Shorts 2024
Thursday 12 and Friday 13 September | 5.30pm – 8pm | Toi Pōneke
Toi Pōneke and the Wairoa Māori Film Festival presents Kia Ora Shorts 2024, a selection of six Māori-made short films screened for free at Toi Pōneke. Bookings are essential.
Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori Parade
Monday 16 September | From 9.30am | TSB Arena to Waitangi Park
Join Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori as they hīkoi from TSB Arena to Waitangi Park for waiata, kōrero, and celebrations. The parade will follow the path along the waterfront. Bring your reo signs, flags, and banners, comfortable walking shoes, and singing voice! Register to attend the parade here.
Frozen Reo Māori ki Toi Pōneke
Tuesday 17 September | 1.15pm & 4.15pm | Toi Pōneke
Toi Pōneke Arts Centre is screening Frozen Reo Māori for free for Te Wiki o te Reo Māori. Bookings are essential.
‘Light Pou’ by WellingtonNZ
Sun 1 Sep - Mon 30 Sep | Wellington Waterfront
For the month of September, eleven Light Pou will be installed along the waterfront, celebrating and promoting te reo Māori. One side of each pou is dedicated to this year’s Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori theme of ‘Ake Ake Ake – A Forever Language’. The other three sides promote WellingtonNZ’s ‘Know Your Reo’ campaign, which provides useful reo Māori phrases that Wellingtonians and All Blacks supporters can use in everyday life.