One New Zealand is celebrating Te Wiki o te Reo Māori 2026 by helping make te reo Māori visible, heard and valued in everyday life. Customers will see "Kia kaha” — meaning “be strong / go hard” — displayed as the One NZ network banner on their phones between 14–21 September. We chose this phrase to celebrate Te Wiki o te Reo Māori while also showing our support for the mighty One NZ Warriors as they charge through finals footy.
We're also creating opportunities for our people to connect with local stories and communities through kai and kōrero sessions across our support offices. In Wellington, we're hosting guests from Ako Academy to share the whakapapa, place names and cultural significance of Te Whanganui-a-Tara. In Christchurch, Te Taumata Tapu o Ngāi Tūāhuriri will join our teams to share the history and cultural significance of Ōtautahi. The Ngā Kākano network at One NZ will also host additional activities in Auckland and online, giving more of our people the opportunity to take part in the celebration. By coming together and learning directly from local iwi and community leaders, our people can deepen their understanding of the places and people we serve.
These activities support the theme of Ake, Ake, Ake – A Forever Language, and the 2026 focus, Te Reo Towns, celebrating the communities, workplaces and whānau helping te reo Māori thrive across Aotearoa.
As a company connecting communities across New Zealand, we believe every workplace has a role to play in helping te reo Māori be seen, heard and valued for generations to come. This Māori Language Week is one way we're contributing to that journey.
For more information about our Māori strategy and sustainability kaupapa, please visit: https://one.nz/our-company/corporate-responsibility/
