The movement to make Kerikeri one of Aotearoa’s leading bilingual communities continues to gain momentum — and people are taking notice. Over the past year, Ngāti Rēhia has been proud to lead this kaupapa in partnership with Far North District Council, supported by schools, local businesses, and our wider community.
Recently renamed Te Rauora – The Revitalisation, the strategy is about more than signs and slogans. It’s a collective commitment to normalising te reo Māori in everyday life, across education, community spaces, and commerce. The name Te Rauora reflects the heartbeat of this work:
Kia Rāhiri reo hei mōhiohio, kia rauora te tūākiri – the revitalisation of language through education, respect, and identity.
What we’ve been doing
With strong support from across Te Riu o Ngāti Rēhia, here’s just some of what’s been achieved:
- Daily Karakia: Te Pou o Manako hosts open karakia each weekday morning, helping to embed te reo Māori into the rhythm of daily life.
- Community classes: Free Te Ao Māori and reo classes are running each term, building confidence and connection for all learners.
- Bilingual business support: Local businesses like Turner Centre and Arvida Te Puna Waiora have taken part in tailored te reo Māori workshops, with a bilingual business recognition programme on the horizon.
- Māra Hūpara and Sportsfields: We’ve led the cultural protocols and naming for new play and sports spaces like Te Amo Pūtoro and Te Puawaitanga – places that reflect our stories and values.
- Te Ahurea: Our cultural and historical centre continues to offer immersive, bilingual experiences for schools and visitors alike, even during winter.
- Curriculum development: Local kura and kaiako are working with Ngāti Rēhia to ensure our own kōrero tuku iho is taught in schools through dedicated Aotearoa NZ Histories packages.
- Public-facing reo resources: Bilingual flyers, posters, and social media content are making the reo more visible and accessible in our homes, workplaces, and online spaces.
What’s next
The mahi continues. Over the coming months, we’ll be piloting a bilingual business starter pack, developing an online hub for te reo Māori resources, and hosting more wānanga with our communities and partners. Through this work, we aim to keep building a town where te reo Māori and English are not just spoken — they’re lived, seen, celebrated, and respected equally.
He taonga te reo – the language is a treasure
We’re grateful for the support received so far, particularly by the team at Healthy Families Far North, and we welcome everyone to be part of this journey. Whether you’re fluent or just starting out, there’s a place for you in Te Kerikeri Reorua.
To learn more or get involved, reach out to our team at Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rēhia or follow us on our social channels for updates.