In the lead up to Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (14–20 September 2025) Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (the Māori Language Commission) announces the launch of nationwide activities to help all New Zealanders get involved in this year’s golden anniversary of Māori Language Week.

50 Wero Reo Māori 

“First up, we’re inviting Aotearoa to take on ‘50 Wero Reo Māori’, a series of challenges created for beginners through to fluent speakers. There’s something for everyone on our list of 50 fun activities. People can choose as many as they like to help them go beyond just supporting te reo, to using it in their everyday lives,” says Ngahiwi Apanui-Barr, Tumu Whakahaere, Te Taura Whiri. 

“The kaupapa builds on our award-winning online campaign, “Reo Māori Moment”, which saw a million people come together at a single moment in time to speak, sing, read or sign in te reo Māori”. 

‘50 Wero Reo Māori’ challenges include teaching your pets to respond to commands in Māori, supporting the Black Ferns with Māori phrases or saying your pepeha. Complete the wero (challenges) over Te Wiki by yourself, with your kura or at your workplace. Each wero completed earns an entry into the draw to win 1 of 50 Te Wiki giveaways, including exclusive 50 Years of Te Wiki merchandise. Sign up at www.reomaori.co.nz/50-wero. 

Te Pūtahi Mahara 

“As we reflect on 50 years of Te Wiki, we also think about the next 50 years. We’re inviting people to contribute to Te Pūtahi Mahara, a digital time capsule. It will carry the hopes and dreams that 2025 Aotearoa has for te reo Māori and will be opened on the 100th anniversary of Te Wiki, in 2075.  

“What if we could hear first-hand, the dreams that those reo champions had 50 years ago? That’s what this will be - a taonga we're creating for the reo champions 50 years in the future” says Ngahiwi. 

People can share a message, a photo, short video or recording. All levels of reo Māori speakers, whakapapa Māori and non-Māori alike are welcome to contribute. Te reo Māori is New Zealand’s language. 

Contributions to Te Pūtahi Mahara will be made online and stored securely until the time capsule is opened in the year 2075. Visit reomaori.co.nz/time-capsule. 

Mō Ake Tonu te Reo - Te Wiki webinars 

Short on time? You might still have an hour free over lunch to fit our lunch-time webinar in. Join us every weekday of Te Wiki for an exciting one-hour lineup.    

The past 50 years tracks a powerful legacy of activism, growth and aroha for te reo Māori. Over five days, we’ll be hosting a bilingual series in which we’ll hear leading experts discuss kaupapa ranging from the origins of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, to the future of te reo in the age of AI. Don't miss this chance to reflect, learn, and be part of the next chapter for te reo Māori. Register, to ask your question of the experts, at reomaori.co.nz 

Te Wiki o te Reo Māori Parade             

Join us in the Capital for this year’s Te Wiki o te Reo Māori parade, on Monday 15 September 2025. It’s a day to walk together in celebration of our national language.   

“If you can’t get to Pōneke, other communities are busy preparing their parades and hīkoi. We know the Christchurch hīkoi will take place on 16 September.  

“Wherever you are, we encourage you to mark the date, gather your whānau, friends, and colleagues, and be part of a movement that shows te reo Māori is treasured, spoken, and here to stay”, says Ngahiwi. 

Te Taura Whiri will be releasing more details around the 50th anniversary events and resources in the lead-up to the official week in September – keep up to date at reomaori.co.nz.