Rautaki Reorua - Kerikeri to become our first bilingual town
A working group will develop more spaces, places and opportunities in Kerikeri where te reo Māori is seen, heard and celebrated alongside the English language. Read more here.
Kerikeri will become the first bilingual town in the Far North with the signing of an agreement between the council and local hapū representatives at a council meeting today (Thursday 1 June).
The Memorandum of Understanding will begin a ‘Reorua’ strategy, as announced by Kahika (Mayor) Moko Tepania. A working group will be established to develop more spaces, places and opportunities in Kerikeri where te reo Māori is seen, heard and celebrated alongside the English language.
Kipa Munro and Nora Rameka, representing Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rēhia on behalf of the hapū, signed the agreement alongside Kahika Tepania and Janice Smith, FNDC Acting CEO. Heartfelt waiata filled the council chambers before and after the agreement signing.
Speaking on behalf of the Ngāti Rēhia hapū in chambers, kaumatua Kipa Munro said he had been working to bring the initiative to the Far North for the last five years.
“It starts here and I acknowledge the strength and courage of the council in joining the initiative which will strengthen both languages.”
Kahika Tepania was “overjoyed” by the agreement but said that buy-in from the local community, including businesses, schools, community boards and community groups would be key to making it a success.
“I am so proud to share this space with you all and look forward to seeing where we can take this initiative. If we can do it in Kerikeri, we can do it across the district.”
The working group will consist of two representatives from Ngāti Rēhia and two council staff, with others included to support discussions and initiatives as required. The working group will liaise with local marae and report back to the council’s strategic leadership team and elected members on progress.
The ‘Reorua’ strategy has already been rolled out in Rotorua and Ōtaki and is a Department of Internal Affairs initiative.
Below - the Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Nora Rameka and Kipa Munro representing Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rēhia, alongside Janice Smith - FNDC Acting CEO and Kahika Tepania.
Kōrero celebrating the 'Reorua' strategy was heard from members of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rēhia and the council's elected members.
