Māori Language Awards Celebrate Trailblazers and Innovators

The annual Ngā Tohu Reo Māori 2025 awards ceremony held on March 15 in Wellington recognized significant contributions to the revitalization and promotion of the Māori language. Hosted by the Māori Language Commission, Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori, the event highlighted the achievements of individuals and organizations dedicated to carrying te reo Māori into the future.

Piripi Walker received the prestigious Te Tohu Oranga Angitu (Lifetime Achievement) award for his extensive work in shaping the landscape of the Māori language. As a co-founder of Te Upoko o te Ika, Wellington’s first Māori radio station, and a key figure during the landmark Te Reo Māori claim, Walker’s influence spans decades of language revitalization efforts.

The Te Tohu Tū Rangatira (Supreme Award) was presented to Lorraine ‘Nanny Lolo’ Pirihira Hale, who has dedicated over 40 years to her community through her work at Te Kōhanga Reo o Te Teko. Hale, who also serves on the National Kōhanga Reo Trust Board representing Mātaatua-Tauranga Moana, has inspired countless generations to embrace te reo Māori in their daily lives.

In an interview with RNZ, Hale expressed her surprise at receiving the award. “Tino harikoa ahau i tēnei wā engari kei te whai whakaaro ake ahau tērā pea he rūkahu nō ā rātau kōrero mōku,” she said, translating to “I am very happy at the moment, although I thought they may be lying to me.” Hale emphasized her enduring passion for nurturing young children in te reo and tikanga, highlighting the importance of engaging families in the kaupapa.

Hale noted that while the younger generations are increasingly embracing te reo, there is a crucial middle generation that missed out on early language learning opportunities. She encouraged parents to continue learning and speaking te reo with their children outside of educational settings. “Kua huri te kei o te waka, kua hoki mai wa tātau tamariki ki te whāngai i te reo,” she remarked, indicating a resurgence in the transmission of the language.

When discussing her hopes for the future of te reo, Hale expressed a desire for it to be the primary language spoken at her marae. “Ko tāku nei e wawata ana ki runga i ō tātau marae,” she stated, emphasizing the need for all members, from cooks to speakers, to communicate in Māori. Hale reflected on the legacy of her father, stating that the essence of his voice represented the spirit and soul of the language. “If we can bring that attribute of te reo back, it will elevate our language to a whole new level.”

Hale acknowledged the support of her family, attributing her success to the hard work instilled in her by her parents and aunties. “Me raupā aku ringa kia ao aku wawata,” she advised, or “I need to work my hands to the bone to realize my dreams.”

The chief executive of Te Taura Whiri, Ngahiwi Apanui-Barr, praised the award recipients, stating that it is an honor to recognize those who lead, inspire, and carve out a future for te reo Māori. He described Hale as a woman deeply connected to her family and language, “moving mountains so others can learn their language.”

Other notable award recipients included Dr Hona Black, Aukaha News, Arataua Media, Auckland Transport, Hākinakina Rangatahi, and the team behind the bilingual project Te Reo Māori ki Pārī 2024, which created the first-ever bilingual Olympic sporting glossary.

The Ngā Tohu Reo Māori 2025 awards celebrate the tireless efforts of individuals and organizations committed to revitalizing the Māori language, ensuring its future for generations to come.