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March 30, 2026
#tereo: Te reo to take centre stage in bold university shift
Dale Husband
Posted On March 30, 2026
Download AudioA major new strategy at the University of Auckland is aiming to transform the role of te reo Māori on campus, with plans to embed the language across teaching, research and everyday life.
Led by academic Te Kawehau Hoskins, the initiative is being described as an ambitious step toward normalising te reo Māori within one of Aotearoa’s largest tertiary institutions.
The plan signals a shift beyond symbolic use of the language, focusing instead on making te reo a living, everyday part of university culture, from lecture theatres to administrative spaces.
For the university, the strategy positions it as a key player in the revitalisation of te reo Māori, aligning with broader national efforts to strengthen the language and ensure its future.
Implementation is expected to take place across multiple areas, including expanding Māori language teaching programmes, integrating te reo into research activity, and increasing its visibility and use across campus communications and environments.
Technology is also expected to play a role, with digital tools and platforms supporting both learning and the wider use of te reo across university systems.
For Māori students, the move is being seen as a significant step toward strengthening identity and belonging, creating an environment where language and culture are reflected and valued in daily university life.
The strategy is expected to provide greater opportunities for students to engage with te reo Māori, whether through formal study or through its increased presence in lectures, services and campus interactions.
Staff will also play a central role, with expectations that te reo Māori becomes more embedded in professional practice, supported by training and resources to build confidence and capability.
The initiative reflects a growing recognition across the education sector that language revitalisation requires systemic change, not just isolated programmes.
If successful, the plan could set a benchmark for other universities, demonstrating how institutions can actively contribute to the future of te reo Māori while reshaping their own culture in the process.
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