Celebrating the Depth of Te Reo Māori and Updates on the Walk Together NZ Journey

Kia ora koutou,

This week, our 100,000 Cups of Tea kōrero opened with a question that sparked exploration, and some pooling of knowledge to create shared learning among us: “Are there different dialects of te reo Māori across Aotearoa?

What followed was a deeply engaging conversation about language, culture, and identity, with participants sharing their insights, lived experiences, and thoughtful perspectives. We also took time to reflect on the journey of Walk Together, its growth, and the exciting future ahead.

The Beauty and Complexity of Te Reo Māori

One participant began by explaining the nuances of te reo Māori dialects:
“There are dialectal differences, but they’re not as distinct as separate languages. If you speak te reo Māori in the North, you can understand those in the south. The differences are often in pronunciation or unique metaphors tied to events and histories unique to each iwi.”

Another shared a personal insight:
“An example is with maunga, which means mountain here. Some people down south say ‘mauka,’ and it’s just that slight difference in pronunciation. These variations reflect where people come from and add richness to our reo.”

The kōrero expanded into how these dialects are deeply tied to whakapapa and place.
“The more familiar you are with the reo, the more you can start to work out where someone comes from based on their dialect. It’s like a superpower of connection,” one participant shared.

Understanding Tikanga and Kawa

The discussion turned to the relationship between tikanga (overarching customs) and kawa (localised practices). One participant explained: “Tikanga provides overarching guidance, but kawa is specific to hapū or marae. For example, at some marae, visitors greet the tūpāpakufirst, then the immediate whānau. At others, it’s reversed. These distinctions are deeply rooted in the traditions of each place.”

They also highlighted how these practices have evolved due to colonisation: “Historically, hapū were the main unit of identity and governance, but colonisation forced us to create iwi structures for negotiating land and fishing rights. Despite these shifts, hapū traditions remain central to our kawa and tikanga.” This exchange emphasised the beauty and complexity of Māori cultural practices, demonstrating the importance of honouring and understanding local nuances.

Reflections on Language and Connection

One participant raised the question of linguistic diversity, comparing Māori to Aboriginal languages: “There are many, many different Aboriginal languages, which adds complexity to trying to integrate cultures. But are there differences like that in Māori, or is it more uniform?”

Another responded with a thoughtful clarification, addressing the profound intricacy of Aboriginal linguistic systems: “It’s not just 350 languages—it’s 750 dialects and a range of other communication methods, including Creoles and sign languages. And so we can’t even begin to fathom the complexity in the way we think it is. It’s all interconnected, like a sphere of thousands of points, rather than a linear construct that’s easy to map.”

This exchange highlighted the layered beauty and depth of Indigenous languages, emphasising the challenges and nuances in preserving and respecting them.

Another participant added an intriguing anecdote:
“There’s an Antarctica accent. People from all over the world spend months together, and they all sort of merge towards the same accent over time. It’s that human thing of responding in a way that’s understood.”

This kōrero illuminated the intricate beauty of languages and in recognising the universal human drive to adapt, connect, and build understanding across boundaries.

The Journey of Walk Together

As the session transitioned, Arama shared insights into the growth and future of Walk Together.
“We’ve been on this waka for a long time. The growth of Walk Together reflects values of co-governance and partnership, starting as we mean to continue—with shared power and shared purpose.”

Arama explained how the Strategic Action Framework has guided this journey:
“This framework helps us move from our current state to a co-constructed future state. It’s a deliberate process that ensures we’re embedding partnership and co-governance from the outset, rather than treating them as end goals.”

Participants reflected on the value of this approach, with one noting:
“Starting with partnership rather than hierarchy accelerates systemic change and avoids many of the pitfalls of traditional structures.”

Arama also introduced the Connect and Collaborate Pathways, which bring together themes like intercultural facilitation and strategic frameworks: “These pathways are grounded in the needs and relational aspects of leaders navigating complex systems. They’re tools for transformation, not just theory.”

A Collective Future

The kōrero concluded with reflections on the collective nature of Walk Together’s work.
One participant celebrated the progress: “It’s inspiring to see the growth of kaitiaki and the integration of frameworks. This work is not just about scaling—it’s about deepening impact and ensuring it’s sustainable.”

A Final Reflection

This week’s kōrero offered shared insights into the depth of language and culture, reminding us how these shape who we are and how we relate to others. It also highlighted the importance of staying grounded in our values as we navigate the complexities of relationships and culture.

Ngā mihi nui,
Arama and the Walk Together Team