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Opinion: Te Wiki o te Reo Māori: celebrating 52 years of progress

18 September 2024

As we celebrate Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, UC Professor Jeanette King reflects on the progress made and looks forward to a future where te reo Māori thrives.  

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On September 14, 1972, a pivotal moment in New Zealand’s history unfolded. Hana Te Hemara and her fellow activists from Ngā Tamatoa, Te Reo Māori Society, and Te Huinga Tauira marched to Parliament with a suitcase containing a petition signed by 30,000 people. This petition, known as te Petihana Reo Māori, sparked a movement that would lead to the revitalisation of te reo Māori.

From the introduction of te reo classes in schools to the establishment of kōhanga reo (language nests), kura kaupapa Māori (language immersion schools), and wānanga (tertiary institutions), the journey has been remarkable. Today, te reo Māori is an official language of Aotearoa, and the kōhanga reo generation continues to inspire with their passion and vision. 
 
Professor Jeanette King discusses this further on The Conversation. Read the full story: A ‘forever language’ – te Wiki o te Reo Māori marks 52 years of extraordinary progress (theconversation.com)


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