Ngā Tohu Reo Māori 2025 – Honouring the champions of te reo Māori

He rā nui whakanuia ai ngā toa o te reo Māori.

This year, Ngā Tohu Reo Māori (Māori Language Awards) honoured eight winners, across seven refreshed award categories at an incredible evening of celebrations at Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington.

Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori hosts Ngā Tohu Reo Māori to recognise the people and organisations driving the normalisation and revitalisation of te reo Māori. From classrooms to sports fields and from communities to digital spaces, this year’s recipients remind us that the language thrives when it is spoken, seen and heard every day.

“We are honoured to recognise those who lead, inspire, and carve out a future for te reo Māori,” says Chief Executive of Te Taura Whiri i te reo Māori, Ngahiwi Apanui-Barr. “Their mahi shows that the language lives through everyday use, aroha and shared commitment.”

Eight recipients were celebrated for their creativity, leadership, and lifelong dedication to te reo Māori. Among them were Piripi Walker, a quiet trailblazer in Māori broadcasting and language advocacy, and Lorraine “Nanny Lolo” Hale, a lifelong champion of kōhanga reo and intergenerational learning.

Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori acknowledges the ongoing support of Te Māngai Pāho, Whakaata Māori, the Ministry of Education, Fonterra, Te Puni Kōkiri, Creative New Zealand, Te Matatini, and Te Mātāwai.