Through September, tamariki and kaiako at The Vines Early Learning Centre joined in recognising Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori – Māori Language Week. This year’s theme was “Ake ake ake – A Forever Language”.
This special week is about more than learning new words and celebrating one of Aotearoa’s official languages; it’s about giving our tamariki opportunities to connect with culture through fun and meaningful activities.
Te reo Māori is part of who we are in Aotearoa. Celebrating that helps all children develop respect for cultural diversity and gives them tools to engage confidently in our multicultural world.
Why do we celebrate Māori Language Week in early learning?
At The Vines, we believe that every child deserves to grow up feeling confident in their identity, language, and culture. Because Tamariki naturally pick up words, rhythms, and cultural values through play, incorporating te reo Māori into our daily teaching and learning helps Kiwi kids grow up with a stronger sense of cultural understanding and respect for diversity.
What activities did tamariki enjoy?
Throughout the week, our kaiako wove te reo Māori and tikanga Māori into everyday activities. Our centre came alive with music, art, storytelling, and movement. Here are some highlights:
- Waiata (songs): Singing songs together, helping children practise rhythm, pronunciation, and teamwork.
- Storytelling: Sharing Māori legends and history.
- Visual Arts: Tamariki created patterns inspired by traditional Māori designs, exploring shape and symmetry.
- Poi and Movement: Poi and Te Rākau stick games encouraged coordination and fun.
What are Te Rākau stick games?
Māori stick games (Te Rākau) are rhythmic games. Sticks are thrown and caught from person to person to the beat of chants and songs.
This activity was not only great fun but also helped tamariki:
- Develop rhythm and timing
- Strengthen hand-eye coordination
- Practise teamwork and cooperation
- Engage with te reo Māori through accompanying waiata.
Can you play Te Rākau at home?
Absolutely. You don’t need special equipment. The activities are about exposure and enjoyment.
Handee towel tubes, rolled up newspaper or smooth sticks work well and are perfect for small hands. Add a chant, a beat, or clap along, and you’ve got your own Te Rākau game at home.
You could also try this much-loved song as a starter.
How to carry Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori beyond one week?
At The Vines, kaiako regularly use te reo Māori in greetings, routines, and storytelling. Māori culture and language are not limited to one week; they’re part of our everyday curriculum.
If you’re not well-versed in te reo Māori but want to be more confident, start small with greetings like kia ora (hello) and mōrena (good morning). Need some help? Try this website as a starting point.
A forever language – Ake ake ake
As Te Whāriki reminds us, te reo Māori must be valued and used in all ECE settings. Our week of celebration showed tamariki that te reo Māori is a living, dynamic language, and one that belongs in songs, games, and everyday conversation.