Media Release: National Iwi Chairs Forum Reaffirms Support for Toitū Te Reo 2025 – A Celebration of Language, Culture, and Identity
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The National Iwi Chairs Forum (NICF) has reaffirmed its strong support for Toitū Te Reo, Aotearoa’s national Māori language festival, following a powerful presentation by Dr Jeremy Tātere MacLeod at the recent hui held in Tūranga.
“The Iwi Chairs Forum is proud to stand alongside Toitū Te Reo once again. This kaupapa embodies not only a celebration of our language but a living expression of mana motuhake and Māori potential,” says Olivia Hall, Chair of Mātauranga Iwi Leaders Group (MILG).
“Whānau, hapū and iwi-backed kaupapa to revitalise our language, culture and identity are catalysts for transformative change – at all levels, for all who engage. Whether as participants, speakers, funders, hosts, or stallholders, Toitū Te Reo provides numerous opportunities to invigorate and foster strong cultural connection.”
First held in 2024, Toitū Te Reo was a world-first celebration dedicated to te reo Māori. Returning this year on 13–14 November 2025 in Heretaunga (Hastings), the kaupapa builds on last year’s success, which saw more than 7,000 people gather for two days of vibrant, intergenerational celebration through kapa haka, symposiums, live podcasts, wānanga, toi Māori, kai, and more.
While the inaugural festival benefited from significant Crown support, the 2025 event will proceed without that level of public investment - highlighting the need for iwi, hapū, and community leadership to sustain the movement.
“We acknowledge the leadership and dedication of Ngāti Kahungunu and Kauwaka as they carry this kaupapa. This festival adds to the legacy of te reo Māori revitalisation movements that remind us te reo Māori lives through us - our commitment, our creativity, and our collective effort,” says Ms Hall.
Festival Director Dr Jeremy Tātere MacLeod says the continued endorsement of the NICF is both humbling and vital, “Toitū Te Reo is about activation. It inspires, it unites, and it builds a shared pride in te reo Māori as a national taonga. We welcome all champions of our reo to walk alongside us again in 2025.”
Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po and Dr Sir Tīmoti Kāretu remain patrons of the festival. “We are deeply humbled that Te Arikinui continues to support this kaupapa. It was an immense honour to have her deliver the opening address at Toitū Te Reo in 2024.”
ENDS
Media Contacts
MILG – Hana Tapiata | hana.tapiata@milg.co.nz
Toitū Te Reo – Dr Jeremy Tātere MacLeod | jeremy@kauwaka.co.nz
About the Mātauranga Iwi Leaders Group
MILG leads mātauranga and education responses for the National Iwi Chairs Forum. NICF exists to advocate and influence matters of national significance on behalf of iwi across Aotearoa. For more information, visit www.milg.co.nz
About Toitū Te Reo
Delivered by Kauwaka in collaboration with Hastings District Council, Toitū Te Reo is Aotearoa’s national Māori language festival. The 2025 event will feature symposiums, performance stages, an exhibition area, rangatahi and kaumātua spaces, language activations, and more. For more information, visit www.toitutereo.co.nz