Ōtautahi leading the way on Māori language promotion

Ōtautahi / Christchurch was recognised for its work to keep te reo Māori alive. The city was chosen by Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori and Te Mātāwai as one of the Tāone Reo Māori as part of this year’s Te Wiki o te Reo Māori.

Hundreds of people, from tamariki to kaumātua, turned up for the Hīkoi mō te Reo Māori on Friday 18 September from the Bridge of Remembrance to Cathedral Square. Taukaea Aroha, was the super waiata that everyone sang together, and there were speeches, kapa haka performances, and giveaways in the square.

Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori Chief Executive Ngahiwi Apanui said research from last year showed communities wanted more in-person opportunities to engage with te reo Māori.

"Kei te titiro whakamua ki ngā whakaritenga o te wiki nei huri noa i te motu."

"I runga anō i te taunaki rangahau mai i tērā tau, kei te hiahia te hapori kia whakahaere he kaupapa i roto i ngā hapori, kia kore e noho ki te ipurangi anake."

Pari Hunt, Te Aho Matua – Treaty Relationships Lead, Christchurch City Council said Ōtautahi was chosen as a Te Reo Town this year in recognition of local and Council efforts to promote te reo Māori. According to the latest Census, around 9,400 people in Ōtautahi can hold a conversation in te reo Māori.

“This status acknowledges the contribution our libraries team have made to Te Wiki o te Reo Māori over many years, and more recently, the work of the Council staff alongside community partners to deliver Te Wiki o te Reo Māori events and activities.

“I would like to give a special mention to Tarryn Ryan, Kaiwhakahaere of Kōrero ki Ōtautahi. Tarryn has been the driving force behind the Mātaki Mai Film Festival, the Morning Rave and many other events. She was also essential in connecting several community partners into the Te Wiki o te Reo Māori working group this year,” Mr Hunt said.

And while Te Wiki o te Reo Māori has finished, the kaupapa continues. As Ross Paniora, who leads the Te Puna o Waiwhetū free reo classes in Ōtautahi puts it:

“When te reo Māori gets hold of you, it doesn't let go.”