Māori Language Week has been celebrated each year from 1975 and commemorates the presentation of the 1972 Māori language petition to parliament.

Kia kaha te reo Māori

‘Kia kaha’ is well understood in New Zealand English with its meaning of ‘be strong’. We often talk about languages as if they are people – talking about language health, strength and revitalisation. So when we say ‘Kia kaha te reo Māori’ we’re saying - ‘Let’s make the Māori language strong'.