Māori communities are revitalizing their language by linking it to the natural world, strengthening cultural identity and environmental stewardship.
Nic Low reports for Hakai Magazine.
In short:
- The inaugural kura reo taiao gathering focuses on teaching te reo Māori through immersion in nature.
- Decades of colonization and environmental degradation have threatened both the language and the ecosystems it reflects.
- Efforts combine language revitalization with conservation work to ensure both the culture and natural world thrive together.
Key quote:
“I remember feeling like, oh my god, this place is the lungs of our environment, and how important it is to filter and clean everything.”
— Paulette Tamati-Elliffe, language revitalization expert
Why this matters:
Reviving te reo Māori is not just about language but reconnecting with nature and cultural identity. Environmental damage threatens the ecosystems that sustain traditional knowledge, making conservation crucial for preserving both heritage and biodiversity.
Related: New Zealand faces protests over Indigenous rights and environmental governance
