Mapping te reo Māori use
Sir Mason Durie described te reo Māori as an essential ingredient of Māori culture and a key to Māori cultural identity. BERL’s latest report for Tokona te Raki builds on this foundation, mapping the barriers and enablers of te reo Māori use across Aotearoa.
This research utilised Stats NZ’s Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI) to create an extensive evidence base that mapped the potential web of elements and outcomes that impact te reo Māori use. Our research reveals that connection to other speakers – especially in informal settings – is the strongest driver of language proficiency. Whether it’s kōrero at home, on the marae, or at hui, the more te reo is spoken around someone, the more fluent they become.
Proficiency isn’t just about individual motivation; it’s about having access to spaces where te reo is spoken and valued
The research highlights stark regional differences. In Gisborne, where Māori make up 54 percent of the population, 21 percent are fluent in te reo. In contrast, Auckland has the largest Māori population but only 5.4 percent fluency, due to lower Māori density. These findings suggest that pockets of high Māori density can be leveraged to grow language use, even in urban areas.
Māori in the North Island are 2.3 times more likely to be fluent than those in the South Island
Education also plays a key role. Half of fluent speakers attended kōhanga reo, kura kaupapa Māori, or wharekura. However, access to Māori-medium education varies widely. The South Island has only 33 Māori-medium schools, compared to 311 on the North Island. For the most part, the regions with the largest number of Māori medium schools per capita are also the regions with the largest proportion of people being able to hold a conversation in te reo.
The research also explores connectiveness through cultural engagement. Fluent speakers are more likely to know their iwi, attend marae, and participate in kapa haka and other cultural practices. These connections reinforce language use and create a cycle of growth.
Te reo Māori thrives where it is normalised – in homes, schools, and communities
It is encouraging to see the growing numbers of te reo Māori speakers, but we have to build on the momentum to increase the proportion of Māori who can confidently hold a conversation in te reo. The opportunity is clear: increased targeted investment in infrastructure, informal learning spaces, and intergenerational transmission will be key to ensuring a flourishing and strong language.
See the Tokona te Raki release here.
The full report is available here.