Skip to main content

Te reo Māori (Māori language)

Māori became 1 of New Zealand’s 3 official languages in 1987. It’s a taonga (treasure) that our government works to protect.

History of te reo Māori

Māori is part of NZ’s cultural heritage and has been spoken in NZ for around 1,000 years.

Māori Language Week Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori: History of the Māori language — New Zealand History

Te reo Māori recognised as official language — New Zealand History

Māori language week — Te Wiki o te Reo Māori

Ngā reo Languages — Stats NZ Tatauranga Aotearoa

Learn and practise te reo Māori

Today Māori is spoken fluently by over 130,000 people here — there are also hundreds of words in daily use by all New Zealanders.

A guide to pronunciation — ReoMāori.co.nz

100 Māori words every New Zealander should know — New Zealand History

Māori proverbs Whakataukī — Woodward Māori

Waiata and haka lyrics — Tāmata Toiere

Te Aka Māori dictionary — maoridictionary.co.nz

Who to contact for more help

If you need more help or have questions about the information or services on this page, contact one of the following agencies.

Utility links and page information

Was this page helpful?
Thanks, do you want to tell us more?

Do not enter personal information. All fields are optional.

Last updated