Māori Language Week

19 July 2007

New Zealanders everywhere will be greeting each other with “kia ora” during Māori Language Week, Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, from 23 to 29 July.

Celebrated since 1975, Māori Language Week is a time for people to celebrate Māori language, te reo, and to use Māori phrases in everyday life.

Events will be held in Christchurch City Libraries throughout the week, including language workshops, poi-making sessions, bilingual story-times and local school groups performing kapahaka.

“If you have ever wanted to learn some Māori language or hone your existing skills, coming along to one of our seven language workshops will be a great start,” says Whaea Haneta, Māori Services Coordinator at the Central Library.

This year the National theme is tāpoi, or tourism, and the catch phrases are “kia ora” and “he kôrero mô Aotearoa” - on the road with te reo.

“We hope to see many people supporting this kaupapa. Even by just saying kia ora when you greet your colleagues during the week will support the protection of our indigenous language,” Whaea Haneta says.

For more information on the many Māori Language Week events happening at Christchurch City Libraries during the week, visit Māori Language Week

To make a workshop booking phone Christchurch City Libraries on 941 7923.