On September 14, 1972, a pivotal moment in New Zealand’s history unfolded. Hana Te Hemara and her fellow activists from Ngā Tamatoa, Te Reo Māori Society, and Te Huinga Tauira marched to Parliament with a suitcase containing a petition signed by 30,000 people. This petition, known as te Petihana Reo Māori, sparked a movement that would lead to the revitalisation of te reo Māori.
From the introduction of te reo classes in schools to the establishment of kōhanga reo (language nests), kura kaupapa Māori (language immersion schools), and wānanga (tertiary institutions), the journey has been remarkable. Today, te reo Māori is an official language of Aotearoa, and the kōhanga reo generation continues to inspire with their passion and vision.
Professor discusses this further on The Conversation. Read the full story:
