After careful consideration, we have made the decision that there will be no Toitū Te Reo festival in 2026. The current economic climate is presenting significant challenges, and we believe it is important to take the time to ensure the long-term strength and sustainability of this kaupapa.
As shared at last year’s festival, we are currently in the process of establishing a new trust entity to carry this kaupapa forward. This is an important step for the future of Toitū Te Reo, and it requires our full focus to get right.
As much as we love Toitū Te Reo, we acknowledge that delivering the festival is significant mahi behind the scenes. We want to honour that by ensuring we have the right structure, support, and resources in place for its future.
Toitū Te Reo is deeply important to us and to our wider community. Rather than compromise the quality and impact of the festival, we are choosing to pause, regroup, and return stronger.
We are excited to confirm that Toitū Te Reo will be back in 2027.
In the meantime, we remain committed to uplifting and supporting te reo Māori through our ongoing mahi across Kauwaka platforms.
Our many thanks for your understanding and continued support - we look forward to bringing the kaupapa back in 2027, bigger and better than ever.
Toitū te reo!
United Through Reo
Providing a platform for thousands of New Zealanders to come together and celebrate what the language means to us in Aotearoa. Toitū Te Reo will inspire, entertain, unite, challenge, excite, and activate.
Toitū Te Reo is made possible by Kauwaka, Te Mātāwai, Lotto New Zealand, Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated, Te Pōkaitara, Ngāti Kahungunu Rūnanga Arts & Culture Board, Hastings District Council, Te Whatu Ora & Taiea. Most importantly, we are deeply honoured by the support of Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po, whose presence at the breakfast launch on 17 September 2025 was a profound demonstration of her unwavering commitment and immense support for this kaupapa.
Aspiration to Reality
Toitū Te Reo is a long-held aspiration of respected te reo champion, Dr. Sir Tīmoti Kāretu and other te reo proponents, and the hui ā-motu held at Tūrangawaewae Marae in January 2024 was a catalyst for making this vision a reality.
At the centre of the festival is the Toitū Te Reo are two symposium spaces, featuring discussion panels of te reo experts, keynote speakers, spaces for fluent speakers to upskill, and spaces for people just starting to learn.
An Uplifting Celebration
This uplifting celebration of all things Māori will offer a chance to taste Māori food, experience Māori culture, and to feel our national identity in a unique, welcoming environment.
Toitū Te Reo 2025 is Aotearoa’s Māori language festival, held 13–14 November in Heretaunga. Celebrate te reo Māori with wānanga, kai, art, music, and street concerts including kapa haka, comedy, and live performances. At its heart are symposium spaces for all learners to connect, upskill, and be inspired.
