Māori language revitalisation rooted in community
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Rawinia Higgins grew up in Wellington, New Zealand, feeling disconnected from her Māori heritage because she couldn’t understand the language spoken by her mother and family.
She moved to the town of Rūātoki, her mother’s home, to learn te reo Māori and discovered a community where the language was a part of daily life. Rūātoki School, established in 1978, played a key role in her language acquisition, with teachers and relatives immersed in the language and culture.
The town’s commitment to te reo Māori wasn’t simply about education, but about creating a normal environment where the language thrived in homes and communities. This was a deliberate effort to prevent future generations from experiencing the same cultural detachment felt by adults who had moved to cities where English dominated. The success of Rūātoki and other similar towns demonstrates that language strength often persists in communities where people can live and interact in their native tongue.
While te reo Māori has gained visibility throughout New Zealand, appearing on signs, in media, and in public spaces, its true vitality depends on consistent use and intergenerational transmission. The 2023 Census showed 213,849 people could hold everyday conversations in te reo Māori, an increase of over 27,000 speakers in five years. Higgins argues that creating conditions for everyday language use is crucial, and hopes future generations won’t need to relocate to experience a fully immersed te reo Māori environment.
