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The Maori Language Commission wants to take te reo Maori to the streets.
As part of this year's Maori Language Week, it plans a parade through Wellington in July 4 to make the language more visible.
Chief executive Ngahiwi Apanui says Te Taura Whiri is calling on all groups from the public and private sectors as well as universities, wananga, schools, kura, kindergartens and kohanga reo, sports teams, kapa haka groups, marae and hapu throughout Wellington region to join in.
He says it also wants non-Maori involved to make it the biggest celebration of te reo that our country has ever put on.
Reversing the usual direction of marches, the parade will start at Parliament and proceed to Te Papa Tongarewa via Lambton Quay.
Participating groups are urged to organise floats supporting not just te reo Maori but New Zealand's Olympic athletes, in the spirit of this year's theme which is akina te reo, using the language to show support.
Only 1 in 4 Maori people and less than 2 percent of the country's non-Maori population speak te reo, but Mr Apanui says by speaking a little every day, New Zealanders can help create the change that is needed.
Copyright © 2016, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com
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