Kia ora koutou katoa! At Ventia, we are whakakake (proud) to celebrate Te Wiki o te Reo Māori 2025, a landmark year marking 50 years of honouring and revitalising te reo Māori.

As a company deeply embedded in communities across Aotearoa, we recognise the importance of language in shaping identity, fostering connection, and preserving culture. With over 5,500 employees and subcontracting partners working across New Zealand, we are committed to supporting initiatives that uplift Māori voices and traditions. Te Wiki o te Reo Māori is more than a celebration, it’s a movement that encourages all New Zealanders to embrace the language, whether through everyday greetings, waiata, or kōrero.

Celebrating 50 Years of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori

This year’s theme, marking half a century since the first Māori Language Day in 1975, invites us to reflect on the journey of te reo Māori, from near extinction to a vibrant, living language spoken in homes, schools, workplaces, and on national platforms. The week runs from 14–20 September 2025, commemorating the historic petition presented to Parliament on 14 September 1972, which called for greater recognition and support for the Māori language. That moment sparked a nationwide movement, leading to the establishment of Māori Language Day and eventually the week-long celebration we know today. 

Embracing the 2025 challenge

• 50th Anniversary of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori celebrated nationwide.
• Pūtahi Mahara (Time Capsule) launched to preserve messages for the 100th anniversary in 2075. Want to send a message to the future, click here.
• 50 Wero Reo Māori challenges introduced to encourage participation at all levels, click here to take part.
• Global Indigenous Languages Summit features Māori leaders sharing New Zealand’s success story, find out more here.

Ventia’s Commitment

Ventia continues to embed tikanga Māori into our values and operations. We support initiatives that promote language, culture, and community connection. Te Wiki o te Reo Māori is a time to reflect, learn, celebrate, and we encourage everyone to give te reo a go!