Celebrating 50 years of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori at Otago Boys’

By Neil Brew and Dave Thomas | Posted: Friday September 19, 2025

This year at Otago Boys’ High School, we joined the nation in celebrating 50 years of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori – Māori Language Week.

Our ākonga had the chance to take part in a performance as well as a couple of fun activities at school to deepen their appreciation of our language.

Our Wairua Pūhou rōpū were very privileged to be able to perform at the Otago Polytechnic Hub this Wednesday, and help with their celebrations and have a hangi lunch. A big mihi to matua Mac Te Ngahue and Whaea Michelle Matthews and our Otago Girls sisters for sharing this with us.

One of the highlights was the Te Reo Māori Quiz in the library, where students put their knowledge to the test in a lively and competitive atmosphere.

Alongside this, the colouring competition gave students the opportunity to express their creativity. Whakanuia, congratulations to Matua, Cole and Rhys for taking out the colouring competition and Quake for the winning the Quiz and taking out the top prizes of Tīhāte, T-shirts.

A huge mihi of thanks goes to Matua Thomas and Kelly, our librarian, to make this weeks events possible. Organising prizes and their energy, ensured that our boys could celebrate te reo Māori in ways that were both meaningful and enjoyable.

Ngā mihi nui and congratulations to Ms Kinghorn and Ms Sinclair for taking out the teacher division and all who took part, students and teachers who stepped up in the quiz and colouring competition. Each wero taken on is another step in strengthening our reo, our culture, and our unity as a kura.

 Mō ake tonu te reo

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