Ka pāpā te whatitiri
Hikohiko te uira
Kahukura ki te rangi
He aitu ka riri rongo mai ka hē
Ko ngunguru
Ko ngangana
Ko apārangi
Ko te titi o te rua ko te tao whakawahine
Ko te motumotu o te riri
Te awa o ngā rangatira
Taumārere herehere i te riri
Te puna i keteriki
E tū atu nei Ngāti Hine pukepukerau
Tiheiwā mauriora!
You’re probably asking yourself, “What does Mean Girls have to do with Māori Language Week?” Well, why not? Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori deserves that main character energy, and what better way to celebrate than by channelling something as iconic and irreverent as Mean Girls?
Because here’s the deal: just like Mean Girls stormed the pop culture scene with its sharp humour and unforgettable one-liners, wāhine Māori are strutting their stuff and turning heads. Whether they’re schooling us on the marae, dropping truth bombs in Parliament, or owning social media like the true queens they are, they’re bringing te reo Māori into the spotlight with unmatched style, mana, and zero apologies.
This week, we’re not just giving a nod to their contributions; we’re rolling out the red carpet for their audacious spirit and their knack for bringing te reo Māori into the limelight with unapologetic flair. It’s their moment, and we’re here to make sure everyone notices.
So, what does Mean Girls have to do with Māori Language Week? In many ways, everything. At the same time, nothing at all. And that’s the whole point – why settle for the usual, boring conventions when you can spice things up? Mean Girls didn’t just follow the rules; it rewrote them. Māori Language Week deserves a celebration that’s as bold and rule-breaking as our beloved plastic clique.
In a world where Indigenous cultures often get the “we’ll get to it eventually” treatment, reimagining Māori Language Week with a splash of sass isn’t just about adding a quirky twist. It’s about making a statement that te reo Māori isn’t just a quaint relic of the past but a vibrant, living force that deserves to be celebrated with all the pizzazz and flair it can handle.
Let’s get out of our comfort zones and shake things up. Let’s celebrate te reo Māori with the kind of energy and edge that’s impossible to ignore, proving that our language and culture are not just important – they’re absolutely sensational.
In this week's spread, we dive into the hearty debate of the role of women on the marae and explore lighter yet equally significant topics like the term ‘plastic Māori’. We’ve also got a few bilingual puzzles, a centrefold for the Sheathas of Ōtepoti, and more engaging content to keep you hooked.
Let’s keep it simple, e te iwi. You don’t need to overthink the kaupapa of Māori Language Week. Just show up, be present, and don’t be the person sitting on the sidelines pretending to get the vibe but missing the point entirely. Whether you’re fluent or just starting out, the key is to be engaged and enthusiastic.
So get in, loser – it’s Māori Language Week!
Āku nei mihi,
Heeni Koero Te Rerenoa
(Waiōmio) valley gewl.