More than 100 whānau from across the motu came together in Manutūkē for Kura Reo ki Tūranga, a four-day wānanga dedicated to nurturing and strengthening te reo Māori, with a focus on the unique dialects of our region.
Trust Tairāwhiti proudly supported Te Rūnanga o Tūranganui-a-Kiwa with $15k to deliver Kura Reo 2025, helping ensure te reo Māori continues to thrive across our region and within our communities.
Kura Reo ki Tūranga welcomed speakers of all levels, from beginners to fluent speakers, creating a space for whānau to learn together and celebrate the richness of te reo Māori.
Participants were grouped by fluency, with beginners being supported through bilingual teaching methods. More advanced speakers were placed into groups from levels one to four. Unlike more traditional kura reo, where linguistics is a focus, theme-based wānanga were at the core of the five akomanga—paepae, kīwaha, mōteatea, taiao and whakawhiti reo through karaoke.
Some of the region’s most respected Māori language experts led the sessions, including Georgina Kerekere, Ruth Smith, Hukarere Greening, Wi Pohatu and Tākuta Wayne Ngata. Their collective knowledge and passion inspired learners to connect with the region’s reo, iwi stories and tikanga.
Feedback from participants highlights that Kura Reo ki Tūranga exceeded expectations, with many describing it as a powerful and uplifting experience.
“Even though I am just starting my te reo journey, I felt safe speaking and learning with my Kura Reo roopū,” said one participant.
Whānau found it inspiring to see the inclusion and involvement of rangatahi in the wānanga. Many noted that learning and practising te reo Māori in their own backyard was a highlight.
According to one of the organisers and te reo Māori advocate Mātai Smith, “This Kura Reo was about strengthening the heartbeat of our own dialects here in Tūranga. Every iwi, every hapū has its own reo treasures — and when we speak them, we breathe life into our ancestors again.”
Photo credit: Katrina Smith Media