On Monday, 15 September 2025, approximately 3,000 people gathered in Wellington to participate in a hīkoi (march) celebrating the 50th anniversary of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week). The event, held along the city’s waterfront, featured students from various kura (schools) and kōhanga reo (Māori language preschools) who proudly displayed self-made signs and banners, and sang waiata (songs) as they marched.
This year’s theme, Ake Ake Ake (“Forever and Ever”), reflects the enduring resilience and evolution of te reo Māori, a taonga (treasure) that has withstood the test of time. The theme also emphasizes the commitment of communities across Aotearoa to the revitalization of the language.
The hīkoi was a significant event in a week filled with activities aimed at promoting and celebrating te reo Māori. These activities included a series of webinars, the launch of Pūtahi Mahara—a digital time capsule for messages to future generations—and the ’50 Wero Reo Māori’ challenge, which encourages participants to engage with the language in various ways.
Māori Language Commissioner Rawinia Higgins highlighted the importance of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori in providing a platform for individuals to overcome language anxiety and gain confidence in using te reo Māori. She encouraged all New Zealanders to embrace the language and contribute to its revitalization.
