Māori language champions to be celebrated at national awards
People who bungy jump in te reo Māori, others who give seminars on bilingual legal traditions and people who have given a lifetime to the revitalisation of te reo Māori are among the finalists in the Māori Language Commission’s 14th Ngā Tohu Reo Māori, the National Māori Language Awards, have been announced.
Twenty-three finalists have been selected from more than 100 nominations, the highest number received since the awards began in 2004. This year’s ceremony to be hosted by the Commission and will be held at Te Papa on 24 November.
Māori Language Commission Chief Executive Ngahiwi Apanui says the awards are an important event in the Māori language calendar and as well as recognising initiatives and activities which took place during the year, are also an opportunity to acknowledge long-term commitment by individuals and groups to Māori language revitalisation.
Categories this year include awards for individuals and groups, including arts and entertainment, educational, business, media and broadcasting.