Ensuring te reo Māori is a healthy, vibrant and thriving everyday language

Te Puni Kōkiri is the Government’s principal policy advisor on Māori wellbeing and developmentOne of the agency’s focus areas is ‘Te Whare o Te Reo Mauriora and Broadcasting’ - in this space Te Puni Kōkiri works to support the growth of healthy and vibrant te reo Māori and tikanga. So, it was a natural fit for the agency to be one of 13 sponsors for this year’s Ngā Tohu Reo Māori awards. 

Te Puni Kōkiri Hautū - Regions, Grace Smit says te reo Māori is essential to Te Puni Kōkiri’s vision of Thriving Whānau. “It strengthens cultural identity, fosters unity, and ensures the transmission of mātauranga Māori.” 

Promoting te reo Māori empowers whānau, enhancing their confidence and pride, and contributes to the holistic wellbeing and resilience of Māori communities."

The Rāngai Tūmatanui award looks at government initiatives for te reo Māori. This category, sponsored by Te Puni Kōkiri, acknowledges government departments, agencies and organisations that have implemented policies, projects, or initiatives to support the revitalisation and integration of te reo Māori into public lifeThis award recognises and celebrates the aspirations of the Maihi Karauna, and Te Whare o te Reo Mauriora in creating and establishing a house where te reo Māori is normalised and visible in daily life in Aotearoa.

Supporting these awards aligns with Te Puni Kōkiri’s mission to promote Māori wellbeing and development, Grace saysBy recognising and celebrating achievements, we inspire and encourage individuals and communities to strive for excellence. These awards highlight the importance of collaboration, innovation, and resilience and ultimately help to build stronger, more vibrant Māori communities.”

The recipient for the Rāngai Tūmatanui  award in 2024 was Te Kaunihera o Pōneke - Wellington City CouncilThe judges were impressed by the Council’s marked impact on the visibility and use of te reo Māori within the community they serveIn particular, Te Kaunihera o Pōneke was recognised for a key strategy which outlined a range of initiatives to promote te reo Māori, including digital tools, kura reo, festivals and signage.