Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori

Celebrate Te Reo at the Hub | 14-20 September 2026

Join us for a week of activities, experiences and opportunities to connect with te reo Māori, local stories and the unique cultural identity of our place.

Whether you're speaking your first words of te reo Māori, building confidence, or using the language every day, Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori is an opportunity for everyone to engage with and celebrate Aotearoa's indigenous language.

A highlight of this year's programme is Te Ara Kōrero: Te Āhuru Mōwai's Cultural Trail, a self-guided experience that invites visitors to uncover the stories woven throughout the Hub.

Beginning at the Bowen Street entrance, participants can follow a trail of discovery points throughout the building, learning about the cultural significance of Te Āhuru Mōwai's architecture, design features and surrounding landscape.

As you explore, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the connections between the building, the whenua and the ancestors whose stories continue to shape our community.

This self-paced "look, find and learn" experience allows visitors of all ages to discover the cultural narratives that make Te Āhuru Mōwai unique.

Te Reo Towns Installation

At the conclusion of Te Ara Kōrero, visitors can explore a special installation celebrating this year's national theme, "Te Reo Towns."

The installation shares the story behind the name Aorangi. According to local tradition, the explorer Matangi witnessed a flock of migrating tūī moving across the sky like a great cloud and named the area Aorangi.

Through this installation, visitors can learn more about the language, stories and history that connect us to place.

Throughout the week, visitors will discover simple and meaningful ways to engage with te reo Māori across the Hub.

You'll find:

  • Bilingual signage throughout Te Āhuru Mōwai
  • Te reo Māori greetings from MCHL team members
  • Themed book display celebrating Māori language
  • Opportunities to learn and use te reo in everyday situations

These initiatives reflect MCHL's commitment to supporting the visibility and everyday use of te reo Māori within our community.

Learn traditional weaving techniques and the cultural significance of harakeke.

Dates and registration details coming soon.

Discover traditional Māori healing practices and knowledge.

Dates and registration details coming soon.

Experience live cultural performance.

Programme details coming soon.