#lifestyle: Waiata Helping Tamariki Grow Their Reo Through Music

A Māori musician is using the power of waiata to support the next generation of te reo Māori speakers, creating music designed to help tamariki, whānau and kaiako learn language in a natural and uplifting way.

Codi Wehi‑Ngatai, of Ngāti Maniapoto, is a musician and co-founder of Kia Whanake, a kaupapa focused on strengthening reo Māori learning through music and creative resources for families and schools.

One of the group’s latest waiata, Ngā Mata o te Ariki o Tāwhirimātea, draws inspiration from the natural world and the rhythms of te ao Māori. The song is designed not only as a musical experience but also as a learning tool that helps listeners connect language with imagery, emotion and cultural context.

Wehi-Ngatai says music can be one of the most effective ways to support language learning, particularly for tamariki. Through melody, rhythm and repetition, children are able to absorb new words and phrases without the pressure that sometimes accompanies more formal classroom learning.

The waiata has been created with the start of the school year in mind, giving whānau and educators a simple and engaging way to weave reo Māori into everyday routines. By listening, singing along and sharing the music in classrooms or homes, tamariki are able to hear and practise the language in a way that feels natural and accessible.

The kaupapa behind Kia Whanake is centred on growth and encouragement. The initiative aims to give whānau confidence to use te reo Māori together, even if they are only beginning their language journey.

For Wehi-Ngatai, the project is also deeply personal. Raised in the small Waikato community of Corrella, his experiences growing up and reconnecting with language and culture have shaped his commitment to creating resources that support tamariki to grow up hearing and speaking te reo Māori.

Through Kia Whanake, the team has developed a range of learning tools designed to support both homes and classrooms. These include waiata, teaching resources and digital materials that kaiako and parents can use to integrate reo Māori into daily activities.

Language advocates say initiatives like this are an important part of the wider revitalisation of te reo Māori, helping ensure the language continues to thrive among younger generations.

For whānau and educators wanting to strengthen their reo journey, Kia Whanake provides accessible pathways through music and storytelling, showing how learning can be both meaningful and joyful.

As the school year begins, Wehi-Ngatai hopes the waiata will encourage tamariki and their families to embrace te reo Māori together, reminding them that language learning can start with something as simple as a song shared at home or in the classroom.