One of the first steps we took to bring te reo Māori into our whare was teaching our puppy, Toka, his commands in Māori. Despite early doubts from his trainer, Toka excelled, proving that dogs can learn any language with consistency and aroha. Whether you’re starting with a pup or an older kurī, it’s never too late to introduce reo Māori. Begin with simple cues like E noho (sit) or Haere mai (come), and download our printable guide.
When you decide to embrace more reo Māori in your daily life, it can feel overwhelming, not knowing where to begin. However, taking small steps and starting with basic phrases is key. If you're raising kids and wish to include more Māori words and expressions, here are ten essential phrases we use every day. Catered toward young children, these phrases can be an excellent starting point. From breakfast preferences to getting dressed, brushing teeth, and more, these phrases will gradually evolve as your children grow. Embrace the power of language by nurturing the use of reo Māori in your everyday life.
Follow the Tamihana family's inspiring journey of reclaiming and revitalising te reo Māori, the life force of Māori culture. Discover the significance of language in shaping Māori identity and the efforts to pass it on to future generations. Learn about the transformative power of bilingualism and the joys of raising unapologetically Māori children.
