Ngai Tahu hopeful on te reo strategy

A Ngai Tahu strategy to raise bilingual Kiwis is celebrating its 10th year.

The aim was to have 1000 families speaking te reo by 2025, said Whetu Moataane, a language adviser with the cultural identity unit at Ngai Tahu. Ten years ago, a Ngai Tahu survey showed less than 1 per cent of members could speak the language.

"But we are definitely hopeful for the future," he said. "More people are aware that we are going to lose it if we don't speak it, but the iwi is confident."

Moataane said benefits of speaking Maori included preservation of a culture, keeping New Zealand's individuality and careers help in New Zealand.

Statistics showed te reo was on the brink of extinction, he said.

This week, Ngai Tahu launched a 12-week challenge, Kotahi Mano Kaika, aimed at anyone who wanted to boost Maori-language skills.

Beginners, intermediate and advanced-level speakers can follow an online programme with short daily exercises to improve te reo.

Take the 12-week te reo challenge at www.kmk.maori.nz

- © Fairfax NZ News