Why was this refresh needed?  

The refresh builds on the strong foundations of the original Maihi Karauna rather than replacing it. 

Like all strategies, the Maihi Karauna was designed to be time-bound and reviewed to ensure it remains relevant and effective. The previous implementation plan had reached the end of its lifecycle, making it the right time to take stock and refresh the approach. 

The original strategy has helped lift awareness, increase visibility, and build strong public support for te reo Māori. This refresh is about further advancing that progress - strengthening what works, addressing areas that need improvement, and sharpening the focus on the actions that will have the greatest impact. 

In particular, it reflects what we’ve learned about implementation and the need to shift from awareness and support to increased everyday use of te reo Māori. 

Why has it taken so long to refresh the strategy? 

Refreshing the strategy has involved careful review of what’s working, what needs strengthening, and where effort will have the greatest impact. This has included analysing evidence, learning from implementation to date, and engaging with agencies across government. 

Importantly, the existing strategy has remained in place during this time. The refresh builds on that foundation rather than replacing it entirely, ensuring continuity while sharpening focus on the areas that will most effectively support the normalisation of te reo Māori. 

If support for te reo Māori is already strong, why invest more resources into this strategy? 
 
Public support is an important foundation, but on its own it does not guarantee increased use of te reo Māori. The next step is to convert that support into action - more people learning, speaking, and using te reo Māori every day. This is essential to achieving long-term and ensuring normalisation for future generations.  

Under Te Ture mō Te Reo Māori 2016, the Crown is required to set a strategy for te reo Māori revitalisation. The Maihi Karauna ensures that legislative requirements are met. This is also one of the ways the Crown can meet its responsibilities to te reo Māori as a taonga, under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.  

Is the goal of one million basic speakers still achievable? 

Long-term modelling shows the goal is still achievable if current support continues and grows. The refreshed strategy focuses on the practical steps needed to maintain and speed up progress, recognising that ongoing effort will be essential to reach this goal. 

Why were priority groups removed from the strategy? 

Feedback from agencies highlighted that a more flexible approach would be more effective. 

Rather than prescribing priority groups, the refreshed approach enables agencies to focus on the audiences and communities where they can make the biggest difference. This supports more targeted and meaningful action. 

What is the plan to improve data and measurement? 

Improving data and measurement is a key priority.  So the refreshed strategy includes a dedicated focus on strengthening data and evidence across agencies.  

We know that current data is not always consistent or easy to compare over time. This shared focus will support better decision-making, clearer monitoring of progress, and more transparent reporting over time. 

What’s next? 

The next phase is turning the refreshed strategy into practical, coordinated action. 

A two-year action plan will be developed to set out the key priorities and areas where agencies will focus their efforts. This will involve working closely across government, and in partnership with Māori, to ensure actions are targeted and have the greatest impact. 

Alongside this, there will be a stronger focus on improving data and measurement so progress can be tracked more clearly over time. Regular review points will also be built in, allowing the approach to be adjusted as needed. 

This is part of an ongoing programme of work, the refresh is not an end point, but a step toward strengthening the way in which the system supports the normalisation and revitalisation of te reo Māori over the long term.