In 2017 Māori Language Week runs from 11-17 September, the theme is 'Kia ora te reo' – which celebrates New Zealand’s indigenous greeting and the intent of te reo Māori revitalisation efforts between the Crown and Māori.

Every year since 1975 New Zealand has marked Māori Language Week. This is a time for all New Zealanders to celebrate te reo Māori (the Māori language) and to use more Māori phrases in everyday life. Our libraries, in collaboration with preschool programmes and the Waimakariri District Council Waiata Group, are celebrating Māori Language Week this year by hosting multiple Kapa Haka group performances.

"This is a great opportunity for the youth of our schools to come together and contribute in this celebration, but also for the community to learn about te reo Māori," said Jason Clements, Learning Connections Coordinator for Waimakariri Libraries. "The community is welcome to attend and celebrate with us while learning more about te reo Māori, " he added.

Te reo Māori is undergoing a resurgence since becoming an official language of New Zealand in 1987, and more people speak the language. There are Māori-language schools, Māori radio stations and a Māori television channel. Māori needs a critical mass of fluent speakers of all ages, and it needs the respect and support of the wider English-speaking and multi-ethnic New Zealand community to remain viable as a language.

The following library locations will be hosting these events:

• Rangiora Borough School Kapa Haka group
  Tuesday, 12 September 10am, Rangiora Library
• Tuahiwi School Kapa Haka group
  Wednesday, 13 September, 10.30am, Kaiapoi Library
• Ashgrove School Kapa Haka group
  Thursday, 14 September, 10am, Rangiora Library

For group visits, please let Library staff know to ensure proper accommodations:

Wamakariri Libraries
03 311 8901 

To learn more about Māori Language Week, visit:
https://nzhistory.govt.nz/culture/maori-language-week