Mōrena tatou and welcome to Te Wiki o te Reo Māori!
It’s a big wiki ahead, even for those of us who remain in Level 4 lockdown. There’s the Māori Language Moment tomorrow (make sure to sign up), new games for schools that help grow native trees, and, of course, all our own individual acknowledgments and celebrations of te reo Māori.
To kick us off, we’ve compiled a few ideas on how you can join the Māori Language Moment – or celebrate the week more generally – whether you’re out and about or in your bubble at home.
1. Reo Māori Kahoot Quiz
This one comes from Te Taura Whiri I te Reo Māori and is squarely aimed at beginners. Kahoot is always a fun lockdown activity, requiring an internet/ipurangi connection and a device for each participant. Check it out here – no cheating!
2. Scrub up on your Tāhuhu Kōrero/History
Te Wiki o te Reo Māori celebrates the language as a whole, but its timing acknowledges a particularly critical moment – the presentation of the Māori language petition/petihana to parliament on September 14, 1972.
It marked a massive step forward – and you can read a lot more about it with this Te Herenga Waka feature about the petition and its beginnings.
3. Plug in the Aux Cord…
…and start playing waiata in the home! Lorde’s latest release Te Ao Mārama (Solar Power songs in te reo Māori) is immensely popular, but there are many more songs to celebrate with this week. Start with this Spotify playlist featuring the Maimoa collective, Hamiora Tuari and more!
4. Learn a New Phrase (or Three)
Anything from kei te pēhea koe to e hia ō huiata i te rā nei (how many videoconferences do you have today) – it’s all there, and being shared as a community, on the “A Māori Phrase A Day” Facebook group!
5. Kick Back and Watch Some Terewīhana
The age-old lockdown activity – watching some terewīhana / television. Whether it’s YouTube or Māori Television – engage with some te reo Māori during your lockdown watching this week.
Our team’s going to be celebrating in a wide range of ways, all over the country – we’ll report back later in the week with how it all goes!
