Kia Tōnuitia Te Reo, an inspiring research symposium held earlier this month at Te Herenga Waka in Wellington, brought together researchers, educators and community leaders who are committed to revitalising te reo Māori.
The inaugural event centres on strengthening and protecting te reo Māori, highlighting the vital role research plays in helping articulate the challenges facing the language. The main goal was to share existing research and find ways to disseminate the findings and intergenerational approaches to whānau, hapori and iwi.
Dr. Awanui Te Huia, Te Kawa a Māui senior lecturer and event lead, says "as researchers, we need to talk with the wider public, because sometimes we are only talking amongst our friends within the university."
Keynote speakers Prof. Rawinia Higgins, Pānia Papa, and panellists Associate Professors Poia Rewi, Te Taka Keegan, Hona Black, Dr. Maraea Hunia and Kelly Kenae-Tuala shared findings on language acquisition, education strategies and the role of technology in supporting te reo Māori in modern contexts. There was a strong emphasis on collaborating with iwi and whānau Māori, ensuring that academic work remains grounded in community aspirations and movements.
Te Mātāwai kaimahi Dr. Braden Te Hiwi and Kararaina Rangihau shared insights on Dr. Mohi Rua's Everyday Experiences of Te Reo Māori Trauma research report. This presentation was a crowd favourite, reinforcing the idea that although many people still experience language trauma, anxiety, and feelings of doubt, healing happens in safe spaces. “Supportive environments like Kōhanga Reo, Kura Māori, Te Ātaarangi, whānau-led learning and culturally grounded spaces help reduce fear and rebuild confidence,” says Kararaina.
Kia Tōnuitia te Reo was not only an academic gathering but also a celebration of identity, language, resilience and cultural continuity. This event is proof that there is a lot of research out there, reaffirming the collective responsibility to nurture te reo Māori for generations to come.
A.Prof. Hona Black, panel presenter at Kia Tōnuitia Te Reo. Image by Adrian Heke.
