Foreword

E ngā iwi o te motu, tēnā koutou i ngā tini āhuatanga o te wā. Ka tangi, ka mihi ki te hunga kua whetūrangitia me tēnei taonga kua whakarērea iho mai ki a tātau. Tēnei ka tāpae atu nei i ngā hua o ngā rangahau a Te Puni Kōkiri i roto i ngā tau hei whiriwhiri, hei wānanga mā tātau, e takoto mai ai he huarahi whakamua mō tō tātau reo.

Te Puni Kōkiri’s strategic outcome is Māori succeeding as Māori. This outcome highlights the importance of Māori achieving social and economic success within the context of a flourishing culture and secure identity. The Māori language is a critical component of the Māori culture.

“Ko te reo Māori te mauri o te mana Māori”.¹

This report presents the results of an extensive research programme into the health of the Māori language that has been undertaken by Te Puni Kōkiri over several years. One of eight regional reports, this report highlights strong gains in the knowledge and use of the Māori language among Māori people, and the status of the Māori language within communities.

These gains provide real momentum in the journey towards achieving the vision and goals of the Māori Language Strategy. That vision is:

"By 2028, the Māori language will be widely spoken by Māori. In particular, the Māori language will be in common use within Māori whānau, homes and communities. All New Zealanders will appreciate the value of the Māori language to New Zealand society".²

We have established a strong foundation for the revitalisation of the Māori language. There is, of course, more work ahead of us, and we need to coordinate our efforts to ensure we are doing the right things in the right way, at the right time. I am confident that this report provides a strong basis for ongoing planning and implementation of Māori language programmes to support the vision of the Māori Language Strategy. Kia kaha ki a tātau.

Leith Comer
Chief Executive

¹ See Sir James Henare in Waitangi Tribunal, 1987.
² Te Puni Kōkiri and Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori, 2003, p. 5.