Te Wiki o te Reo Māori 2024: Celebrating 'Ake ake ake – A Forever Language' at Building Blocks
November 2024
In 2024, the theme for this week is
‘Ake ake ake – A Forever Language’.
This powerful theme is a reminder that the Māori language, despite the pressures it has faced, continues to evolve, grow, and thrive alongside our people, culture, and environment. It also reflects the collective commitment New Zealanders share to keep te reo Māori alive, vibrant, and part of our lives for generations to come.
At Building Blocks, we are deeply connected to this kaupapa (cause), as we believe in nurturing not only the minds and hearts of the tamariki (children) in our care but also their sense of identity, culture, and community. Embracing and learning te reo Māori is an essential part of this journey. Language is more than just words—it’s a gateway to understanding the history, values, and traditions that make Aotearoa unique.
Cognitive Development: Bilingualism has been shown to boost cognitive skills, improving problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking abilities.
Cultural Awareness: Exposure to te reo Māori from a young age encourages children to appreciate and respect different cultures, fostering inclusivity and empathy.
Strengthened Identity: For Māori tamariki, learning their ancestral language fosters a strong sense of identity and pride in their heritage, while for non-Māori tamariki, it builds a deeper connection to the land and its people.
Through waiata (songs), karakia (prayers), and everyday conversations, we help ensure that te reo Māori is not just spoken during Te Wiki but lives on throughout the year, in the hearts and minds of our tamariki, ake ake ake—forever and ever.
Join us in embracing te reo Māori this week and beyond, as we nurture the next generation of language champions at Building Blocks.
