Te Reo Maori is one of three official languages of New Zealand (the others are English and New Zealand Sign Language).
Māori is spoken by 4.1 percent of people. Apart from English, the next most common language spoken by Māori in New Zealand is Māori, which is spoken by 23.7
percent of the population.
Dunedin Public Libraries has an extensive range of Maori Language Materials in its collections. Here are some highlights:
Events
We have a number of events planned this year. Explore the list below or visit our Flickr.com photostream to see the latest pictures from the week.
Week long:
Maori Reading Area
No matter which of our Libraries you love most, you will be able to enjoy our specially created Maori Reading spaces this week, and discover the wonderful
selection of Te Reo books we have for you to borrow.
All libraries
FREE
Mind Your Language
Come and practise your Maori with the Librarians this week using the booklets provided and the bi-lingual signs to find your way around!
Waikouaiti Library
FREE
Monday 27 July
Library Waiata
Did you know that Librarians can sing? The Dunedin City Council have their own Waiata Group who will perform a selection of songs for you, to herald in the start
of Maori Language Week.
Civic Plaza
12.30pm
Tuesday 28 July
Children’s Story Reading
Our future teachers meet their future pupils this week as they read stories in Te Reo from our Children’s Collection. Presented by students from the Otago
College of Education.
Storypit, City Library
1.00pm – 3.00pm
FREE
Kapa Haka – Silverstream Primary School
Silverstream Primary School Kapa Haka group kick-off the week with a wonderful performance.
Mosgiel Library
12.30pm
FREE
Wednesday 29 July
Children’s Storytime
Storytime isn’t just about listening, it’s about having fun! Sing along to a song in Maori as part of this week’s Children’s Storytime.
Storypit, City Library
10.30am
FREE
Thursday 30 July
Kapa Haka - St Mary's School
Join the celebrations and watch this fantastic Kapa Haka group.
Mosgiel Library
1.30pm
FREE
Flax Weaving
Learn how to make beautiful puti puti (flowers) and kete (bags) out of flax using traditional Maori methods.
Blueskin Bay Library
From 4pm
FREE
Friday 31 July
Kapa Haka - East Taieri School
East Taieri School Kapa Haka group have lovely voices; allow them to serenade you into the end of the week.
Mosgiel Library
2.00pm
Flax Weaving
Learn how to make beautiful puti puti (flowers) and kete (bags) out of flax using traditional Maori methods.
Blueskin Bay Library
From 4pm
FREE
Students of the Otago University Te Wiki o Te Reo programme perform at Dunedin City Library on Tuesday 22nd July 2008 as part of Maori Language Week
celebrations.
Dictionaries
We have a range of Maori to English and English to Maori dictionaries at all libraries.
A range of Maori readers are available in the Children's Section of the City Library. These readers aren't limited to use by children, and are a great resource for
anyone learning Te Reo.
The Taiehu Collection is located on the second floor of the City Library and
contains duplicates of Maori cultural material held in other collections both at City and the Community Libraries.
Both children's and adults' books are included.
McNab Collection
The McNab New Zealand Collection on Floor 3 also has a large amount of Maori language material,
particularly items of historic interest but also including recently published items. They include the very first book of Maori grammar ever published, nineteenth
century Maori newspapers, dictionaries, traditional tales, books and articles about the language and much more.
We have a range of Maori to English and English to Maori dictionaries at all libraries.
