Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori celebrates 50 years w/ Professor of Māori Studies at the University of Auckland Margaret Mutu: 17 September, 2025

This week marks 50 years since the establishment of Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, following the 1972 Māori Language Petition. As part of this week everyone across Aotearoa is encouraged to use and learn te reo Māori, fostering its revival and integrating it into their daily life.

However, even 50 years on, the revitalisation of Te Reo still faces a number of issues, with the current coalition Government facing criticism over its policies relating to te reo, such as the removal of te reo on the New Zealand passport, government offices and even in some school books.

Wednesday Wire Host Oto spoke with Professor Māori studies at the University of Auckland, Margaret Mutu, about Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, and the milestones in te reo revitalisation that have been achieved since it began.