Thousands March in Wellington to Celebrate 50 Years of Te Reo Māori

Around 3,000 people gathered in Wellington on March 13, 2024, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, a celebration of the Māori language. Participants took part in a vibrant hīkoi along the city’s waterfront, showcasing their support for the revitalization of te reo Māori. The event highlighted the importance of the language as schools and communities united to mark this significant milestone.

The parade was predominantly comprised of students from various kura and kōhanga across the region. Many of these young participants created their own signs and banners, singing traditional waiata as they moved through the city streets. Among those present were Louana Fruean and Cherish Paul, educators from Katoa Kindergarten in Porirua, which is transitioning to a total immersion kindergarten. Fruean expressed her joy, stating, “Kua kī te ngākau. Rawe, piwari,” which translates to “My heart is full, it’s awesome, beautiful.”

Paul echoed this sentiment, noting that this was the first year Katoa Kindergarten had participated in the celebration. “Yes, it’s a celebration because this is the first year that Katoa Kindergarten has come to stand at Te Wiki o te Reo Māori,” she said. “It’s great to see so many students be a part of the kaupapa on their own terms.”

The enthusiasm of the students was palpable. Mihi Awa, a student from Wainuiomata Intermediate School, expressed her feelings about the day: “E harikoa ana ahau mō tēnei rā,” meaning “I’m feeling good to be here today.” She highlighted the importance of seeing “all the people here, the Māori faces,” alongside her friends and schoolmates.

Tamati Waaka, an educator, acknowledged the collective spirit of the event, thanking all the schools that participated. “Kua korakora, kua hihiko!” he exclaimed, denoting his energized feelings. Waaka connected the day’s atmosphere to the unifying power of te reo, saying, “I’m feeling that spark… to hear the language being spoken from that side of Wellington to this side.”

Reflecting on the historical significance of the week, Waaka pointed out that when Te Wiki o te Reo Māori was established, the language was on the brink of extinction for some iwi. “My hopes for the next 50 years is for the iwi who are already strong in te reo to get even stronger,” he said.

Dr. Carwyn Jones, a prominent advocate for the language, described the celebration as a beautiful day. “We know it has been a long journey coming back from that point 50 years ago,” he remarked. He highlighted how past generations faced challenges in speaking te reo Māori, but noted the increasing visibility of the language in contemporary society. “It’s a constant piece of work to do,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in the language’s future.

Dr. Jones also noted the surge in interest among non-Māori individuals wanting to learn te reo. “You look at the number of Pākehā who are filling our te reo Māori classes… Māori, Pākehā, see the value of te reo now.” He expressed optimism about the language’s future, affirming that public interest will sustain its revival regardless of government actions.

As the celebrations unfolded, the atmosphere was filled with hope and a sense of community, as thousands came together to honor and advocate for the Māori language. The event not only celebrated the past but also inspired future generations to continue the journey of revitalizing te reo Māori.