Te Wiki o te Reo Māori is an annual celebration for all New Zealanders to show their support for the Māori language.

This year the theme is ‘Ake Ake Ake- A Forever Language. It represents the resilience , adaptability and endurance of the language. Ake Ake Ake was made famous by the 28th Māori Battalion when they marched singing into Europe during the Second World War. The phrase also ends karakia and speeches with unity and solidarity.

Students and staff at OHS are being encouraged to help normalise the use of the language by using it as much as possible knowing that we will make mistakes and that is how we will all learn.

The Kapa haka group will be performing at local primary and intermediate schools this week and we are looking forward to the Hāngī being prepared for Lunch on Thursday for over 1000 students and staff!

Kia māhorahora te reo- let’s make it seen, let’s make it heard.