We are committed to te reo Māori

Published on 17 September 2025

Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week) is on from 14 to 20 September 2025 and we are celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. 

Last year, Council and Whangārei hapū committed to working on a long-term strategy for the use of the Māori language, joining the nationwide Aotearoa Reorua programme.

Aotearoa Reorua supports New Zealand towns and cities in elevating the use of the Māori language alongside the English language under the joint leadership of councils and their mana whenua partners.

Māori Relationships Manager Mark Scott has reported that funding for this exciting initiative, which has been led by the Department of Internal Affairs with support from Te Puni Kōkiri, Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori and Te Mātāwai, has sadly been discontinued.

"The good news is that the plan pulled together for the Council’s part includes a lot of work that has become 'business as usual' in terms of elevating te reo Māori alongside the English language across the District.

"Continuing to normalise te reo Māori as much as possible across our work for the District is one step towards enhancing strategic partnerships with mana whenua and hapū.

"The mahi progressed under Aotearoa Reorua for the Whangārei hapū is not lost, and Whangarei District Council will continue to ensure hapū are involved in the use of the language from the conception of projects. Allowing their language, stories and culture to be woven into spaces, restoring presence and visibility across our District."