Ngāti Kahungunu to host thousands in celebration of te reo Māori

Thousands are expected to celebrate te mana o te reo Māori in Heretaunga / Hastings at a unique festival dedicated to supporting people learning the language across all levels.

Led by Ngāti Kahungunu in partnership with Hastings District Council and Kauwaka, Toitū Te Reo is a two-day event created to foster and provide a safe space to karawhiua (give it a go), organisers said.

The concept was developed and shaped in alignment with aspirations shared by Tā Timoti Kāretu at Tuurangawaewae Marae in Ngaaruawaahia during the Hui-ā-motu hosted by Waikato Tainui earlier this year.

Sir Tīmoti said the festival serves as a celebration of te reo Māori and recognises it as the official language of New Zealand.

It also unites all New Zealanders in recognising and honouring the nation's first language, he said.

"It is an opportunity for everyone to come together, learn, and embrace the cultural heritage that defines us."

Central to the festival is Te Reo ki Tua, part of the symposium which will feature a variety of keynote speakers at different stages on their reo journeys, it will also incorporate dedicated panels led by mātanga reo / reo experts.

For the first time, te reo speakers with different levels of fluency will have the opportunity to come together in one place and participate in programmes tailored to meet and support their proficiency level.

Te Hiringa: For medium to fluent speakers, featuring bilingual presentations.

Rangimamao: For high fluency speakers, with all content in Māori.

Pūmotomoto: For beginners, delivered in te reo Pākehā.

While Toitū Te Reo celebrates te ao Māori, it also addresses recent controversies surrounding the use of the Māori language and underscores the ongoing importance of te reo Māori in New Zealand's national identity, according to organisers. '

Ngāti Kahungunu iwi chairperson Bayden Barber said iwi from across the country will send delegations to Heretaunga, with more than 5000 people expected to attend.

"Over the years, Ngāti Kahungunu has been a leader in revitalising te reo and we're doing our bit to unite Māori and other supporters behind our language."

Barber said they are excited about the momentum this event will bring to the revitalisation of te reo Māori.

While the symposium is ticketed, Toitū Te Reo will be host to free events such as wānanga, a rangatahi poetry slam, kai Māori stalls, a kohanga reo space and a parent's retreat.

The festival will also showcase an all-star variety show with bi-lingual stand-up comedy, musicians and kapa haka performances.

Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said if Toitū Te Reo is as successful as predicted, it has the potential to be a significant event on Te Mātau a Māui / Hawke's Bay's calendar and is likely to take place annually.

"It's a chance for all New Zealanders and all the vibrant cultures represented in Heretaunga to come together to live and breathe our national identity," Hazlehurst said.

The festival will take place at Toitoi Hawke's Bay Arts & Events Centre in Heretaunga Hastings CBD, from 8-9 August.