This year, Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori celebrates 50 years since the inaugural Māori Language Week in 1975 - a powerful initiative that continues to champion te reo Māori and bring people and communities together. Similarly, Mahuru Māori, established in 2014, is a month-long challenge encouraging everyday use of te reo Māori.
To commemorate this milestone, Auckland Council, in partnership with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, will release a powerful waiata called “Take Whenua” on 18 September, honouring the deep and enduring connection between tangata (people) and whenua (land) in Tāmaki Makaurau.
18 September marks 185 years since Ngāti Whātua Rangatira Apihai Te Kawau allocated 3000 acres of land for the establishment of Auckland, a land allocation known today as the Tuku Whenua.
Auckland Council’s Head of Māori Outcomes, Anahera Higgins, says the waiata represents a significant first for the council and reflects on the importance of the timing.
“The release date is meaningful on many levels. It falls during both Mahuru Māori and Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, a period that focuses on the revitalisation of te reo Māori, and it also marks Tuku Whenua, a significant moment in the city's ongoing journey of honouring whenua and whakapapa,” says Ms Higgins.
“This kaupapa strongly aligns with the principles of our Tāmaki Ora Framework, which places the wellbeing of people and place at its heart, grounded in Te Ao Māori. The waiata reflects many of the framework’s pou including Te Taiao Ora, Iwi Ora, and Tuakiri Ora — honouring the voices, stories, and aspirations that breathe life into Tāmaki Makaurau”.
Composed by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, “Take Whenua” is a deeply moving tribute to the Ngāti Whātua ancestral connections, enduring obligations, and spiritual legacy of Tāmaki Makaurau.
“This waiata is not just a composition — it is a living narrative,” says Majic Pāora, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Take Whenua Project Lead.
“It stands as a tohu rangatira, a symbol of leadership, identity, and mana capturing the essence of ahi kā and the unbroken relationship between tangata and whenua. It speaks to the strength of intergenerational ties, the layers of identity carried through time, and the collective responsibility we share in caring for this place we call home”.
‘Take Whenua’ will be released on 18 September 2025 in three different versions (two iwi kapa haka versions and one commercial version) and will be available on Spotify.
Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori runs from Sunday 14 September to Saturday 20 September. Here are some other ways to embrace the kaupapa of Māori Language Week and Mahuru Māori:
AUCKLAND LIBRARIES:
Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori reading list at libraries:
- Get started on your te reo Māori journey this Māori Language Week with a curated list of fascinating books suitable for all ages that are either about learning to speak te reo Māori and/or are written in te reo Māori/English. Available now until 20 September.
Tātāi Hono: Whakapapa Research Open Day
Central City Library, Saturday 13 September, 11am – 4pm
- Dedicate a day to explore whakapapa research through keynote presentations, research support, taonga spotlights led by Māori specialists, guided tours of our research services and facilities, and Te Tiriti ki Tāmaki augmented reality experience. Led by Kararaina Te Ira, Penapega Taonga, Cultural Heritage, Textile Conservation.
MĀNGERE:
Whakahihiko Te Reo Māori: Celebrating and Revitalising Our Language and Culture
Wednesday, 24 September at Māngere Art Centre: Ngā Tohu o Uenuku
- Take part in this vibrant event that invites all Aucklanders to embrace Māori language, tikanga and creativity. Through kapa haka performances, rangatahi-led activations, engaging workshops, and Māori kai stalls, Whakahihiko Te Reo Māori fosters strong community connections and supports the revitalisation of language and culture.
CITY CENTRE:
Neon art lights up three symbolic kupu (words)
44 – 46 Lorne Street, opposite Central City Library
- From 9 September to 2 December, Aucklanders and visitors will see three 2-metre pieces of neon art on lamp posts in Lorne Street. They will light up three cornerstone kupu: Rere, Tika and Māori, referencing this whakatauākī (saying):
Ko te reo kia rere. Ko te reo kia tika. Ko te reo kia Māori.
Let the language flow. Let the language be correct. Let the language come from a te ao Māori worldview.
- The creators of this striking neon artwork, which references the permanent REO sculptural installation in Lorne Street, are Ataahua Papa (Ngāti Korokī Kahukura, Ngāti Mahuta) and Angus Muir Design for Auckland Council.
‘Take Whenua’ Waiata Credits:
Composers: Robbie Pāora, Majic Pāora, Kingi Makoare, Tarumai Kerehoma Hoani
Producer: Nic Manders
Produced Version:
- Guitar: Katz Maihi
- Guitar: Te Whaiao Manga
- Bass: Katz Maihi
- Keys: Nic Manders
- Drums: Finau Fulivai
- Lead Vocals: MAJIC
- Lead Vocals: Piripi Davis
- Lead Vocals: Otene Hopa
- Backing Vocals: Jessikha Makoare
Iwi Kapa Haka Version:
- Guitar: Pakeke Davis
- Vocalists: Pani Moeau, Hayley Kipa, Te Amohaere Morehu, Rawinia Morehu, Kingi Makoare, Jessikha Makoare, Te Waiora Morehu, Tyrece Greening, Otene Hopa, Tarumai Kerehoma Hoani, Moeahi Kerehoma, Te Waiata Pāora-Perkins
- Owners of waiata: Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei
Auckland Council Program: Te Kete Rukuruku
