Town embraces Māori Language daily in New Zealand
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In Kaikohe, New Zealand, approximately 25 percent of the 4700 residents speak te reo Māori, making its consistent use a normal part of daily life.
Journalists Eugene Bingham, Adam Dudding, and James Dansey travelled the 87-kilometer Te Pou Herenga Tai cycle trail in the Far North region to document the prevalence of the language and the culture surrounding it. They found bilingual signage, community events centered on te reo Māori, and a strong connection to local history and the environment.
Moko Tepania, the mayor of the Far North District, explained that he has been given the ceremonial title of ‘Kahika,’ which refers to the kahikatea tree, a tree that thrives when growing in groups, symbolizing the importance of community. He noted that he can spend an entire day in Kaikohe communicating solely in te reo Māori. The journalists also learned about the area’s history, including stories of ancestors, land confiscation, and the preservation of natural springs.
They witnessed traditional weaving practices, where practitioners listen to the flax itself, known as kōrari, to understand the health of the environment. The team recorded their experiences in a five-part bilingual podcast, Reo Journeys: Te Pou Herenga Tai, to share the community’s dedication to te reo Māori.
