The Library is open for class visits and at lunchtimes Monday - Thursday.

Te Petihana Reo Māori: The Māori Language Petition (Te Petihana) was presented to Parliament on 14 September 1972, with over 30,000 signatures, kickstarted major shifts in the revival of te reo Māori as a living language in Aotearoa New Zealand. Since this moment, Te Petihana has, and continues, to inspire the Maōri language movement.

In the Library this term we are exploring popular music from around the world. Pop into the Library to see our books on music, artists, musicians and instruments, we may even have music playing at lunch time. Let us know your favourite song from anywhere in the world, in any language, and we will make a MRI playlist.

What does this word mean? Click here to find out..

Te reo Māori proficiency and support continues to grow. Data from the 2021 General Social Survey (GSS), collected in 2021 showed that the ability of New Zealanders (aged 15 and over) to speak te reo Māori in day-to-day conversation has improved. Since 2018, the proportion of people able to speak more than a few words or phrases of te reo Māori rose from 24% to 30%. Learn more about New Zealand on the Stats NZ website.

Test your vocab with this visual quiz.

The Science of Storytelling: How can reading books change our brains?
What happens inside our brains when we read? How does the science of storytelling explain the power of narratives to shape our minds? In what ways do stories make us uniquely human?

Te Reo Māori Day is on September 14th. This day celebrates and acknowledges the Māori Language Petition that was brought to Parliament in 1972 by Ngā Tamatoa and Te Reo Māori Society.
In August 1980, people marched on Parliament in support of equal status of the Māori language with English.
The first kōhanga reo opened in Wainuiomata in April 1982.
Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hoani Waititi, the first kura kaupapa Māori, was established in West Auckland in 1985.
Photo taken 1 August 1980 by Dominion Post photographer. Ref: EP/1980/2470/20A-F Alexander Turnbull Library.

365 useful words and phrases in te reo Māori to read and hear. These words and phrases have been compiled and recorded by Martin Wikaira.

Explore the Māori culture, history and uses of taonga puoro along with waiata, famous singers (traditional and contemporary), music awards, styles and contribution of Māori to theatre, film, dance and the unique performances that are waiata ā ringa and kapa haka.

Puketāpapa Kāhui Ako shared waiata project: He Kākano Āhau

Contact Whaea Rachel by email if you have a question about any of these links, or have suggestions for other links.