Monday marks the beginning of Maori Language Week.
Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori is the annual celebration of New Zealand's indigenous language, designed to promote its use throughout the country.
This year's theme is akina to reo, or behind you all the way, which aims for Maori language to be used as a way to support, motivate and encourage people, whether it be on the sporting sidelines or in other pursuits.
Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori or the Maori Language Commission has developed 50 phrases based on the theme to coincide with the launch of the campaign, which ends on July 10.
Plans are also afoot to use the key words in connection with sporting events, such as the upcoming Olympic games in Rio in order to build on the momentum or interest in the language fostered during Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori.
Te reo has been an official language of Aotearoa since 1987. Census data from 2013 states that 23 per cent of people can speak Maori fairly well or better.
Anyone interested in accessing downloadable resources for Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori 2016 can visit tetaurawhiri.govt.nz.
Some phrases to try:
Ka mau te wehi - That's outstanding
Kia manawanui - Hang in there
Ka pai hoki koe - Good on you
Here is a link to some traditional prayers in Te Reo: http://www.catholic.maori.nz/PrayersinCommonUse.htm
You may like to integrate one prayer a day into your class to celebrate this week!
Will you join in Maori Language Week?
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