11 Sep 2023

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It’s Māori Language Week 2023 and kiwis are encouraged to speak te Reo Māori proudly.

Te Wiki o te Reo Māori runs from 11 to 17 September, and this year’s focus is making the language strong together.

There are many opportunities for Cantabrians to get involved this year, including a range of events across the Christchurch City Libraries network.

“We’re excited to kick off the week-long celebration of the Māori language with fun, free activities and events, from movies to bilingual storytimes, afterschool activity zones and more,” says Christchurch City Council Head of Libraries and Information Carolyn Robertson.

Get your boogie on and head over to Tūranga for Taiohi ngahua – Youth Dance Party. Bust out some moves and listen to the best old school and new school waiata (songs).

Watch the Kiriata Whānau – Whale Rider and follow the story of Paikea Apirana and her Koro (grandfather) to a place where traditional and modern thinking meet. Or enjoy a Mystery reo Māori Movie afternoon as we journey alongside a young girl, her pets Heihei and Poa as they leave their home Island to return  a stolen gem to its owner.

Make sure to celebrate the beauty of te reo, grab a coffee and join us for some Māori language themed games at Café reo.

Plus, come on down to your local community library and brush up on your te Reo Māori.

“As always we’re promoting Mahuru Māori and teaching ways to use te Reo Māori in your everyday life – as simple as Māori greetings and farewells,” says Ms Robertson.

“We’ll also be bringing back the usual change to our self-service kiosks, by setting te Reo Māori as the default option for the week.”

Customers will be able to manually choose the English language option on the kiosks.

View the full list of events taking place across the Christchurch City Libraries network here.