Communities across Aotearoa are being invited to turn their streets, shops, schools and public spaces into “Te Reo Towns” for Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori 2026.
Running from 14 to 20 September, this year’s campaign is shifting the focus from national celebration to local action, encouraging towns and communities to make te reo Māori visible, heard and used in everyday life.
Ngāhiwi Apanui-Barr says the Te Reo Towns kaupapa is about helping communities take ownership of language revitalisation in ways that reflect their own people, places and identity.
The campaign encourages simple but meaningful actions, including bilingual signage, te reo greetings in local businesses, community events, kura and school activities, reo challenges, and public displays that celebrate the language.
Smaller communities are also being encouraged to take part, with organisers saying every town can contribute, whether through a single reo Māori event or a wider community-wide commitment.
The aim is to ensure Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori has an impact beyond one week, helping embed te reo into daily routines and build long-term confidence among whānau, businesses and local organisations.
Supporters say the strength of the campaign will be measured not only by the number of towns taking part, but by how communities continue to use and normalise te reo Māori after Te Wiki ends.
The nationwide push reflects the growing momentum behind te reo revitalisation and the role local communities can play in ensuring the language is seen, spoken and valued across Aotearoa.
