Nominations have officially opened for Ngā Tohu Reo Māori 2026, shining a national spotlight on the people, organisations and kaupapa driving the revitalisation of te reo Māori across Aotearoa.
Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori Tumu Whakarae Ngahiwi Apanui-Barr says the awards are designed to recognise the full breadth of efforts supporting the language – from grassroots whānau initiatives to large-scale programmes across education, media, business and community spaces. Eligibility is wide-ranging, reflecting the many ways te reo Māori is nurtured and normalised in everyday life.
The awards underwent a significant refresh in 2025, aligning with five internationally recognised pillars of language revitalisation. These pillars guide both nominations and judging, focusing on areas such as language status, acquisition, use, and intergenerational transmission. Excellence is measured not only by scale, but by impact – how effectively nominees strengthen the presence, accessibility and sustainability of te reo Māori within their communities and beyond.
Organisers are encouraging nominations that reflect both visible leadership and the often unseen work happening behind the scenes. Many of those contributing to the growth of te reo Māori do so quietly – in homes, kura, workplaces and community groups – without recognition. The awards aim to bring those efforts into the light, affirming that every contribution, no matter the size, plays a vital role in the wider movement.
The message this year is clear: meaningful impact does not have to come from high-profile platforms. Everyday commitment to speaking, teaching, and supporting te reo Māori is just as important as national initiatives. The call is for communities to recognise those around them who consistently uplift the language and embody its values.
As nominations open, Aotearoa is being urged to take part in celebrating the collective journey of language revitalisation. Acknowledging those who choose te reo Māori every day helps strengthen its future and reinforces its place as a living, thriving language.
Ngā Tohu Reo Māori 2026 stands as both a celebration and a reminder – that the survival and growth of te reo Māori is a shared responsibility, carried by many, and worthy of recognition.
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