New Zealand television watchers could hardly not notice last week was Māori Language Week (Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori) and residents in Dannevirke had a similar opportunity to get in touch with the language, thanks to the Rangitāne iwi who ran a series of events throughout the week under the banner Whakangahautia Te Reo Māori – have fun with the Māori language.
![A tired Rangitane whānau rest around the completed Te Hanga Panga Kupu (Scrabble) board at the end of the day.](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/ER46MO25EZASN6YSHKEOFYOF5M.jpg?auth=01512cdf46c8bb58b4826632d71338a0f955a627f7ae8f0b5a81c93e8ebfa27f&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
And fun they had!
Monday (Rahina) started with a karakia at Te Whare Whakamānawa attended by staff, pupils and parents of Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Tamaki nui a Rua. A series of adult and student speakers spoke in Māori, punctuated by waiata from the whole school.
Tuesday (Ratu) moved to The Catching Pen when a group of adults were given a free slice for ordering a coffee in Māori and participated in a te reo challenge. Quiz mistress Atanetta Paewai held up a variety of items asking for their Māori name which they could add to their booklet and complete a crossword. There was much joviality and fun for the hour.