Strategy refresh sets stronger course for te reo Māori

The Government is confirming its clear and ambitious course for the future of te reo Māori with the refresh of the Maihi Karauna strategy, Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka says. “Te reo Māori is a taonga and a defining part of Aotearoa New Zealand’s identity. This refreshed strategy is about ensuring the language is visible, valued and voiced.” The Maihi Karauna is the Crown’s strategy for Māori language revitalisation across government and wider society, working alongside the Maihi Māori to support whānau and communities. The refreshed strategy builds on the progress made since 2019 and reflects the latest evidence about what works to grow a living, thriving language. “While it’s clear that public support for te reo is growing, many people are not actively learning or using the language themselves. Bridging this gap is the next step in revitalisation,” Mr Potaka says. The refreshed Maihi Karauna retains its long-term goals to 2040, including growing the number of speakers and increasing the value placed on te reo Māori as part of New Zealand’s national identity. The strategy sharpens the Crown’s role and clarifies expectations across the public sector. It remains grounde