He Huia Kaimanawa 2009

What:                   The Inaugural Maori Language Expo

Where:                 Te Rauparaha Convention Centre, Porirua

When:                  15 and 16 October 2009

Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori is hosting the inaugural Maori Language Expo, He Huia Kaimanawa, 15 and 16 October 2009 at Te Rauparaha Convention Centre, Porirua.

He Huia Kaimanawa means to be committed to an important kaupapa or cause, in this case, te reo Maori. The expression has been adopted as a name for this two day event that brings together people from across Aotearoa to discuss, showcase and celebrate Maori language success, innovation and further potential.

Te reo Maori is an official language of Aotearoa and has enjoyed a revitalisation process that has been active for approximately 30 years. Throughout this time, Aotearoa has witnessed a range of initiatives that have contributed to the rebirth of an indigenous people and its culture, a kind of renaissance that has not been witnessed in any other part of the modern world.

At the core of this reawakening has been its language – te reo Maori.

He Huia Kaimanawa provides the forum to reflect on te reo Maori, to contemplate its current state of being, and to further consider how its ongoing progress is to be sustained.

Nau mai, haere mai ki He Huia Kaimanawa

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He Huia Kaimanawa 2009 will be made up of 3 parts:

1. He Whakairinga Kupu, He Whakapiringa Tangata
A symposium: the theme of which for 2009 is “What is Maori Language Excellence?” Professor Taiarahia Black is the keynote speaker. Taiarahia will use his collection of Tuhoe waiata to be the catalyst for a panel and symposium-wide discussion on Maori language excellence. Panel is made up of government and Maori language community representatives.

When: Thursday 15 October – 1 to 4.30pm

2. Nga Whetu Koea
An exhibition of Maori language initiatives and resources involving up to 40 groups and organisations from throughout Aotearoa that play active roles in Maori language regeneration.

When: Continuously from 1pm Thursday 15 October to 3pm Friday 16 October

3. Nga Tohu Reo Maori
The Maori Language Awards – we will be celebrating those groups and organisations that have shown committed contributions to Maori language regeneration.

When: Friday 16 October – 12.30 to 4.00pm

 He Huia Kaimanawa 2009 will be launched by the Minister of Maori Affairs, Honourable Pita Sharples.
Invitations to attend He Huia Kaimanawa have been extensive and include all Kura kaupapa Maori and Wharekura throughout Aotearoa. The presence of rangatahi, matua and pakeke together is designed to represent the holistic approach that is required for full language regeneration to occur.
He Huia Kaimanawa will be delivered totally in Maori and full translation services will be provided.
The powhiri for He Huia Kaimanawa will be at 11am on Thursday 15 October, followed by lunch. Accordingly and in the spirit of manaakitanga, kai and refreshments will be provided throughout the 2 days.
He Huia Kaimanawa. Nau mai, haere mai, whakatau mai!