Te Wiki o te Reo Māori 2026: Hīkoi, Waiata and Poi Making

Promo graphic for Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week) 2026. The design features a black patterned background with large orange text. In the centre is a stylised signpost displaying the words “Te Reo” and “Towns”.

Hīkoi mō Te Reo

Walk together. Sing together. Celebrate te reo Māori together. 

For Te Wiki o te Reo Māori 2026, Whangārei's annual Waiata Singalong, organised by Taioro and Creative Northland, is joining forces with the Hīkoi mō Te Reo.

The hīkoi will start from oustide Te Iwitahi (civic centre), 9 Rust Avenue on Thursday 17 September. Meet there from 12:00pm noon.

On this community hīkoi, we'll be singing waiata together along the way to Pūtahi Park, followed by a mass singalong when we get there. 

Together, we'll sing the following waiata: 

  • Ngā Iwi E 
  • Me He Manu Rete 
  • Tōia Mai 
  • Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi 
  • Pā Mai.

Let's fill our streets and Pūtahi Park with the sound of te reo Māori.

Nau mai, haere mai. All are welcome. 

Poi Making and Waiata Worshops 

In preparation for the hīkoi, you can make your own colourful poi to twirl and learn five beautiful waiata to sing loud and proud at the following workshops:  

  • Monday 14 September, 5:30pm – Terenga Paraoa Marae, 10 Porowini Avenue, Morningside
  • Tuesday 15 September, 5:30pm – Whangārei Pride HQ, 65 John Street 
  • Wednesday 16 September, 1:30pm – Whangārei Central Library, 5 Rust Avenue.   

For support with learning waiata, the community is also welcome to attend the Giant Drop-In Choir at ONEONESIX on Monday 14 September, 6:30pm to 8:00pm. 

Get more information about the workshops: 

Poi Making and Waiata Worshops (taiorostudios.com)

When

  • Thursday, 17 September 2026 | 12:00 PM - 02:00 PM

Location

Join the hīkoi to Pūtahi Park from the starting point outside Te Iwitahi (civic centre) at 12:00pm noon

Te Iwitahi (civic centre), 9 Rust Avenue, Whangārei, 0110, View Map

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Cost

Free

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