Massey University celebrates Māori Language month
From left, Kaihautu Māori Sheeanda Field with Senior Māori advisor Jacob Tapiata demonstrate the Māori scrabble game.
Photo: MASSEY UNIVERSITY
The revitalisation of the Māori language is so important that Massey University is extending Māori Language Week to
include a whole month of activities.
Te Marama o Te Reo Māori kicks off on Wednesday with events like Māori movies, waiata sessions, guest speakers and giant
Māori scrabble games on all campuses.
AUCKLAND CAMPUS
A highlight on the Auckland campus is a weaving workshop by local harakeke specialist Judy Te Hiwi, who will also
conduct a tour through the campus native bush garden on July 21.
The Treaty on the Ground conference, run jointly by Massey University and the Auckland Museum from July 6-8, will
discuss the 175th anniversary of the Treaty of Waitangi. The conference provides a forum to discuss how the Treaty of
Waitangi will inform future Māori and Pākeha relationships in a post-settlement world. More information is available
here: http://wired.ivvy.com/event/TW2015/
The treaty is also the topic of this year’s Sir Paul Reeves Memorial Lecture being given by Professor David Williams on
July 21 at the Sir Neil Waters Lecture Theatre. https://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/maori/events/reeves-lecture/reeves-lecture_home.cfm
MANAWATŪ CAMPUS
Students will be able to test their te reo skills on giant scrabble boards – Ketukupu set up in the library every day,
or try the online quiz Kotahi te kupu.
WELLINGTON CAMPUS
A highlight on the Wellington campus will be a presentation on July 15 on the significance of the star Puanga – Rigel.
It is the rise of this star rather than the Matariki constellation which marks the beginning of the Māori New Year in
parts of Taranaki, Northland, the West Coast of Te Waipounamu and Rekohu/Wharekauri. The session is run by The Society
for Māori Astronomy, Research & Traditions Trust.
For a calendar of all Te Marama o Te Reo Māori events on at Massey University, or to book your place at events, check
out the website.
ENDS