Te Reo at the Heart of 2025: Ngahiwi Apanui‑Barr Reflects on a Pivotal Year

As 2025 draws to a close, one of the most inspiring voices we’ve heard this year has been that of Ngahiwi Apanui‑Barr, the Chief Executive of Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori – an unwavering champion for our indigenous language and culture. His reflections on the year highlight not only the struggles that Māori communities have faced, but also the remarkable strength, resilience and resurgence of te reo Māori throughout Aotearoa.

In an interview with Radio Waatea in December 2025, Ngahiwi looked back on how te reo Māori remained at the centre of public life and national debate – even as political, economic and social challenges tested whānau and communities nationwide. He noted that despite pressures, Māori people have continued to assert tino rangatiratanga, identity and cultural pride across the country.

Ngahiwi spoke about the year’s defining kaupapa – from debates over Te Tiriti o Waitangi and media representation, to environmental stewardship and systemic inequities – and reminded listeners that Māori have not been on the sidelines of these conversations. Instead, Māori voices have influenced and shaped them in ways that reflect our values and aspirations.

But beyond political headlines, his message emphasised something deeper: te reo Māori continues to grow and thrive, carried forward by whānau, educators, artists, rangatahi, broadcasters and everyday speakers. Ngahiwi’s reflections celebrated the way Māori language and culture are lived – in homes, classrooms, marae, events and digital spaces – proving that te reo is not just surviving, but living and evolving with our people.

This kōrero isn’t just about statistics or policy – it’s about identity, connection, whakapapa and the collective kaupapa of nurturing our reo for the future. His reflections are a powerful reminder that te reo Māori remains a taonga that belongs to all of us in Aotearoa – a bridge between past, present and future.

Listen to the full Waatea News audio interview with Ngahiwi Apanui‑Barr here:

https://waateanews.com/2025/12/17/ngahiwi-apanui-barr-chief-executive-of-te-taura-whiri-i-te-reo-maori-4/ Waatea News

Ngā mihi nui ki a Ngahiwi Apanui‑Barr, and to all those working to keep te reo Māori strong – whakakotahi, whakapakari, and passing on our language to the next generation.

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