Omexom New Zealand celebrates Māori Language Week 2023

On 14 September, it will mark the 51st anniversary since the presentation of the Māori Language Petition to Parliament, urging the revitalization of Te Reo Māori as a vibrant language in Aotearoa New Zealand. With over 30,000 signatures, the petition advocated for the inclusion of Te Reo Māori in school curricula.

At the time, Te Reo Māori was considered a forgotten language, and Māori people were deprived of the opportunity to embrace their ancestral tongue. Instead, they were encouraged to study other languages. Half a century later, we now understand and cherish this cultural treasure – Te Reo Māori.

This week of 11th September to 17th September, Omexom New Zealand commemorates Māori Language Week, known as Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori. It’s a time for us to honour this beautiful language – a linguistic gem unique to our country woven into the fabric of our identity in Aotearoa.

Our team not only learned commonly used words in Te Reo Māori, but also were given insights into cultural practices they may have seen or taken part in but were not aware of the full cultural significance.

We also looked back when our management team graduated from the Te Kaa course which gave them deeper understanding of Maori culture, contributions and achievements. It also enabled a deeper grasp of Te Reo Māori and the richness Māori culture plays in the diverse societal tapestry that is Aotearoa.