Kia ora! So, Maori Language Week is rolling around again, and if you’re anything like me, you get to this time of year with the best intentions. You think, “This is the year! We’re going to fill the house with te reo Māori!” And then, life happens, and you end up defaulting to the same two words you already know: kia ora. Sound familiar? :/
I’ve been there more times than I care to admit. But I’ve also learned that celebrating Te Wiki o te Reo Māori doesn’t have to be stressful or feel like homework. It’s about connection, fun, and weaving the language into our everyday lives in a way that sticks—for the kids and for us!
So, grab a cuppa, and let’s chat about ten super fun, low-stress ways to get your kids learning and loving te reo Māori this Maori Language Week. No pressure, just plenty of kōrero (talk) and aha!
1. Kick Off with a Karakia & Waiata Morning Routine
There’s something magical about starting the day with music, right? I’ve found that trying to force a formal “lesson” first thing in the morning is a recipe for disaster (cue the grumpy faces). But music? That’s a whole different ball game.
Why Music Makes the Difference
Music is a memory powerhouse. You’ll forget what you had for breakfast, but you’ll remember the lyrics to a song you learned in primary school. It’s the same for kids.
We started by learning a simple karakia (prayer/incantation) for before meals and a waiata (song) for greeting the day. FYI, it doesn’t have to be religious if that’s not your thing; a karakia can simply be a way to acknowledge the moment and give thanks.
Our Go-To Playlist
We are obsessed with Loopy Tunes and Anika Moa’s ‘Songs for Bubbas’ – they are absolute game-changers. They’re catchy, modern, and you won’t want to pull your hair out after the 50th listen.
- Start with ‘Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi’. It’s a classic for a reason and gets everyone moving.
- ‘E Rere Taku Poi’ is another favourite. The actions are simple and it’s brilliant for coordination.
Honestly, just five minutes of singing and strumming (or air guitar, in my case) in the morning sets such a positive, inclusive tone for the day. It shows the kids that te reo Māori is a living, breathing, joyful language, not just something in a textbook.
2. Host a Bilingual Story Time (with Funny Voices!)
Ok, this is where my inner drama queen gets to shine. Reading books is a given in our house, but during Maori Language Week, we make a conscious effort to pull out our bilingual books.
Finding the Right Books
If your library isn’t stocked up, now’s the time to visit. Look for books by authors like Gavin Bishop or Donovan Bixley. Their books often have te reo Māori translations right alongside the English, which is perfect for us non-fluent parents.
Making it Interactive
Here’s my trick: I don’t just read the words. I ham it up.
- When I read a word like “kurī” (dog), I’ll bark like a maniac.
- For “ngeru” (cat), you better believe there’s some serious meowing.
I’ll point to the picture and ask, “He aha tēnei?” (What is this?). Even if my pronunciation is a bit off (and I promise you, it is!), the kids love correcting me. It makes them feel like the experts, and that ownership is everything. Ever wondered why kids retain information better when they’re laughing? It’s because their brains are relaxed and open to learning. IMO, that’s the whole secret.
3. Create a ‘Te Reo Treasure Hunt’ Around the House
This is probably the activity my kids request the most. It turns the whole house into an adventure playground, and it’s so simple to set up.
How to Set It Up
- Make a list of simple, everyday items. Start with things they already know, then introduce a few new ones.
- Write the clues in te reo Māori (or a mix of te reo and English for the little ones).
For example:
- “Kimihia te pukapuka!” (Find the book!)
- “Kei hea te pōro?” (Where is the ball?)
- “Hopukina te wētā pēpi!” (Catch the toy/baby bug!) – This one always gets them screeching with laughter.
Learning Through Movement
Kids learn so much better when they’re moving. By physically running to the tēpu (table) or touching their ihu (nose) when they find it, they’re creating a physical memory link to the word. We even made simple name tags for furniture one year – whatu (window), tatau (door), pouaka whakaata (TV). It’s like labelling their whole world in te reo.
4. Whip Up Some Kiwi Kai with a Te Reo Twist
Cooking together is already a bonding experience. Why not add a little language learning into the mix? This is hands-on, delicious, and perfect for even the tamariki (children).
From Recipe to Plate
Choose a simple recipe. It could be making rewena paraoa (bread) if you’re feeling ambitious, or just some basic parāoa parai (fry bread). We usually stick to making Anzac biscuits – it’s foolproof.
As you cook, introduce the ingredients:
- “Can you pass me the pata (butter)?”
- “Let’s measure out one kapu (cup) of huka (sugar).”
- “Time to mix the paraōa (flour)!”
Taste Test Challenge
This is the best part. When the food is ready, have a taste test! Ask them, “He reka?” (Is it sweet/delicious?). They’ll inevitably give you a big, crumbly grin and a thumbs up. It connects the language with a positive, sensory experience. And let’s be honest, a bribe of freshly baked goods is a powerful parenting tool. 😉
5. DIY Manu Tukutuku (Kite Making)
Ok, I’ll be straight with you. My first attempt at making a traditional Māori kite was a complete disaster. It looked more like a sad, crumpled paper bag than a majestic manu tukutuku. But the kids didn’t care one bit. They just loved the process.
Get Crafty
You don’t need authentic harakeke (flax) to do this. Raid your recycling bin!
- Gather some stiff card, newspaper, or thin cardboard.
- You’ll need string, scissors, and whatever you have for decoration – vivid markers, paint, scraps of material, feathers.
The ‘Why’ Behind the Craft
As you’re creating, you can chat about the history. Explain that traditionally, these kites were used to communicate with the gods and ancestors. They were more than just toys; they were messengers. This little bit of history adds a layer of depth and respect to the craft activity.
Fly High
Once you’ve decorated your kites with bold patterns and designs, head to the park or the beach to fly them. There’s nothing quite like the look of pure joy on a kid’s face as their handmade kite catches the wind. It’s a moment of connection to the past, all while having a blast in the present.
6. Play a Game of ‘Pirimia’ (Prime Minister) or ‘Te Kōrero’
This is our go-to for car trips or while waiting for food at a restaurant. It requires zero materials and is brilliant for building vocabulary.
How to Play ‘Te Kōrero’ (The Talker)
It’s essentially the te reo Māori version of “I Spy” or a simple description game.
- One person thinks of an object.
- They describe it in te reo Māori as best they can, using the words they know.
- “He whero tēnei. He mea kai.” (This is red. It’s for eating.)
- The others have to guess what it is – “He āporo?” (An apple?)
You can play ‘Pirimia’ in a similar way, where the “Prime Minister” has to describe their new law or policy using as much te reo as possible. It’s silly, it’s creative, and it forces them to pull those words from their memory banks and use them in a new context. I love hearing the crazy sentences they come up with!
7. Get Active with a Marae-Inspired Obstacle Course
If you have a backyard, you have the perfect venue for this. It’s inspired by the teamwork and physical challenges you might see on a marae.
Building Your Course
Use whatever you have – cushions, chairs, hula hoops, skipping ropes.
- Whāki (Crawl): Create a low tunnel made of chairs and a blanket to crawl under. “Whāki i raro!”
- Peke (Jump): Lay out some old pillows or mats to jump between. “Peke, peke, peke!”
- Ōma (Run): Mark a spot to sprint to and back. “Ōma ki te rākau!” (Run to the tree!)
Encouragement in Te Reo
The key here is the commentary. As they navigate the course, shout out encouragement and instructions in te reo.
- “Kia tere!” (Be quick!)
- “Kia kaha!” (Be strong/go for it!)
- “Ka pai!” (Good job!)
This turns a simple backyard game into an immersive language experience. They’re learning action verbs without even realising it. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to burn off that endless kid energy. Win-win.
8. Learn a Simple Haka or Ma’i (Action Song)
Let’s clear something up right away: the haka is not just a war dance. It’s a celebration of life, a welcome, a challenge, and an expression of emotion. It’s powerful for kids of all genders to learn.
Start with a Simple One
Don’t jump straight into ‘Ka Mate’. That’s a serious haka with a lot of history and protocol. Instead, look for a simple haka or ma’i that’s been composed for children.
- ‘Rona’ is a fantastic ma’i that tells the story of the woman in the moon. The actions are beautiful and tell the story perfectly.
- There are also many simple school hakas available online that are perfect for beginners.
Focus on the Wairua (Spirit)
The most important part isn’t getting every action perfect. It’s about the wairua – the spirit, the energy, the intention. Encourage your kids to really pūkana (widen their eyes) and whetero (stick out their tongue – yes, really!) if it feels right. It’s about expressing themselves with confidence and pride. Watching my usually shy five-year-old find the courage to pūkana was a genuinely moving moment for me.
9. Family Colouring & Poster Night with Kupu Hou
This is my go-to for a quiet Friday night in. It’s low-key, creative, and perfect for winding down after a busy week.
Finding Resources
A quick Google search for “Maori Language Week colouring pages” or “te reo Māori posters” will give you a treasure trove of free printables. Look for pages that feature:
- Kupu hou (new words) with beautiful illustrations.
- Whakataukī (proverbs) that you can talk about as a family.
- Simple greetings and phrases.
Decorate Your Space
Grab the felt-tips, crayons, and pencils. As you colour, chat about the pictures and the words. “That’s a beautiful tui you’re colouring. He aha te tae o te tui?” (What colour is the tui?)
Once you’re all finished, don’t just shove the artwork in a drawer. Display it! Stick the posters up on the fridge or the wall. This surrounds your family with the language visually, reinforcing those kupu hou every single day. It makes the learning a visible part of your home.
10. Digital Detox: Movie Night with Māori Subtitles or Te Reo Cartoons
I know, I know, suggesting screen time feels a bit like cheating on a list of “activities.” But when used intentionally, it’s a fantastic tool.
What to Watch
- Whakaata Māori (Māori Television) and Te Reo Channel are absolute goldmines. They have dedicated children’s programming that is either fully in te reo Māori or bilingual. Shows like ‘Pūkana’ and ‘Miharo’ are classics for a reason.
- Streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ often have Māori language dubs or subtitle options for popular movies. Imagine watching Moana with Māori subtitles – it’s a whole new experience!
Making it Active
The trick is to make it a family event, not just a babysitter. Curl up on the couch together. I like to challenge the kids: “Let’s see how many words we can recognise!” We keep a notepad handy and jot down any kupu hou we hear. It turns passive watching into an active listening exercise. And honestly, snuggling on the couch with the kids and a movie is always a good idea in my book.
So there you have it! Ten ideas to make Maori Language Week fun, engaging, and totally doable for your whānau. Remember, it’s not about being perfect. It’s about giving it a go, having a laugh at our mistakes (my mispronunciations could fill a book!), and showing our kids that te reo Māori is a beautiful, vibrant part of who we are as New Zealanders. Kia kaha te reo Māori!
