This week is Te Wiki o te Reo Māori – Maori language week. Like a lot of people my age, I learned the basics of maori language at school. Some of what I learned has stuck with me, including what I consider to be the most important part, how to pronounce the vowels. This means when I come across an unfamiliar word I can have a go at pronouncing it correctly. It also means I can make an effort at pronouncing common words correctly.
Sometimes it can feel awkward pronouncing words you've always said one way a different way. If we all make an effort at pronouncing maori words correctly, then it will eventually become the norm. The theme this year is 'Kia Kaha te Reo Māori' or 'let's make the maori language strong'.
If you'd like to extend your vocabulary, or learn the meaning of words you're not quite sure about, then check out this list of 100 Māori words every New Zealander should know. Visit here for more ideas.
If you'd like to add some te reo to your space, whether it be your home, workspace or somewhere else, take a look at our range of maori word decals.