Whakatere (Ashburton) is getting ready to mark the 50th year of Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week).

Lots of events have been organised to celebrate te reo Māori and this special 50th anniversary. There is something for everyone!

Saturday 13 September

Hauora Day at Hakatere Marae - free health checks, food, fun for tamariki and great info from lots of community groups. Pop out between 2-5pm, no need to register. Free event.

Monday 15 September

Give Kapa Haka a Go - join the senior group Te Whānau o Hakatere to sing waiata and get a taste of the energy and joy of kapa haka. The free event starts with a Pōwhiri (welcome ceremony) at 5.15pm, Hakatere Marae.

Tuesday 16 September

Te Reo Māori Pronunciation - If you’ve ever hesitated to say a Māori word at work or in conversation for fear of “getting it wrong,” this free session is for you. 5.30pm - 7pm, Ashburton Library

Wednesday 17 September

Revitalisation of Te Reo Māori – A Youth Perspective - hear the views of our rangatahi on Māori language revitalisation from 6pm at the Ashburton Art Gallery & Museum. Arrive early to take a look at the very special Kura Pounamu - Our Treasured Stone exhibition.

Thursday 18 September

Storytime in te reo Māori - for preschool / junior primary age children and their parents/ caregivers. Learn te reo Māori through stories & song. No Māori language knowledge needed, all cultures welcome. Ashburton Library, 10.30am

Friday 19 September

Haka-ā-hapori - if you know the Tahu Pōtiki haka, join students from Ashburton College and other schools, plus members of the community in doing a mass haka on the Ashburton College school field. Meet at the school office by 1.15pm at the lastest.
Kanikani, Kids Disco - primary and intermediate aged children can enjoy dancing, reo Māori music, games and lots of fun at this free event at Hakatere Marae. Limited numbers so registering is necessary.

Saturday 20 September

Mau Rākau - full day wānaga for adults and rangatahi (15+). Learn the art of mau rākau - including using taiaha and patu, plus the tikanga, stories and values of this taonga tuku iho. Open to all cultures and genders.

Sunday 21 September

Mau Rākau - full day wānanga for tamariki (9-14 years). Learn basic taiaha skills through games, movement challenges, and storytelling. Build coordination, confidence, and connection to te ao Māori while having heaps of fun.

All week

Kupu Cards - Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum have again created a set of vocab cards, this time local rangatahi have designed images that match whānau/ family related words in te reo Māori. Pick up your set of flashcards from them or other council services.
Colouring pages - Māori illustrations designed by young artist Dalziel Maeva will be available to colour in - Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum foyer 10-4 pm daily.
Typographic Stencil Art - Get creative with our Māori motif & reo Māori activity - Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum foyer 10-4 pm daily.
Videos - Each day a video will be shared in the Hakatere Marae Facebook group, highlighting some aspect of Māori language - e.g. karakia, greetings, how to pronounce local Māori place names etc.