Porirua is preparing to celebrate Te Wiki o te Reo Māori with a wide range of events from 14 – 21 September. The 2024 theme, “Ake ake ake – A forever language,” honours the resilience and longevity of Te Reo Māori, an official language of Aotearoa New Zealand. The week will showcase Porirua’s strong connection to Māori culture through its close relationship with Ngāti Toa Rangatira.
Key events in the programme include:
- Whiti Te Rā! – The Story of Ngāti Toa Rangatira: An exhibition running daily from 10am-5pm at Pātaka Art + Museum.
- Akeake Seedlings Sale: Purchase Akeake seedlings from Pātaka and Porirua City Nursery throughout the week, supporting local native plant growth.
- Flag Raising Ceremony (16 September, 8-9am): Held at the Peace Memorial in Te Rauparaha Park, followed by morning tea at Pātaka. Event moved indoors if raining.
- Reorua Edition of Story World (18 September, 10:30am): A special bilingual storytelling session at the City Centre Library.
- Pop-up Craft Market + Live Music (19 September, 10am-2pm): Cobham Court will come alive with music and stalls offering arts, crafts, and kai.
- Waitata Mai Edition of Baby Band (19 September, 10:30am): Join in for music and fun at the City Centre Library.
- Weaving Putiputi (21 September, 10am-2pm): A hands-on weaving workshop with the Mauri Oho Raranga weavers at Pātaka.
- Waiata from Whitireia (21 September, 11am-1pm): Local Whitireia students will perform Māori songs in a small concert at Pātaka.
Mayor Anita Baker encourages everyone to get involved, saying, “Languages only thrive when we speak and embrace them, so even if you’re not a confident te reo speaker, I urge you to give it a go this week. Please join us to celebrate Māori Language Week.”
For more details and a full schedule of events, visit the Porirua City Council website: https://poriruacity.govt.nz/discover-porirua/about-porirua/our-heritage/te-wiki-o-te-reo-maori-language-week/