Minister for Māori Development, Tama Potaka says the Government is confirming its clear and ambitious course for the future of te reo Māori with the refresh of the Maihi Karauna strategy.
The Maihi Karauna is the Crown’s strategy for Māori language revitalisation across government and wider society, working alongside the Maihi Māori to support whānau and communities.
The refreshed strategy builds on the progress made since 2019 and reflects the latest evidence about what works to grow a living, thriving language.
“Te reo Māori is a taonga and a defining part of Aotearoa New Zealand’s identity. This refreshed strategy is about ensuring the language is visible, valued and voiced,” said Mr Potaka.
“While it’s clear that public support for te reo is growing, many people are not actively learning or using the language themselves. Bridging this gap is the next step in revitalisation.”
The refreshed Maihi Karauna retains its long-term goals to 2040, including growing the number of speakers and increasing the value placed on te reo Māori as part of New Zealand’s national identity.
The Minister said the strategy sharpens the Crown’s role and clarifies expectations across the public sector. It remains grounded in partnership between the Crown, Iwi and Māori, under Te Ture mō te Reo Māori 2016 and Te Whare o te Reo Mauriora.
“Revitalising te reo Māori is a shared responsibility. Government has a leadership role, but lasting change comes from whānau, communities and everyday New Zealanders using the language.”
The next phase of work will focus on delivering a coordinated action plan across government agencies to drive collective impact.
“We are focused on results, more people speaking te reo Māori, more often, in more places.”
“Kia māhorahora te reo, let the language flow freely” Mr Potaka says.
