Most Maori believe their whanau is doing well in terms of social, cultural and economic factors, according to a recent Statistics New Zealand survey that measured Maori well-being.
But there is still a lag with the number of Maori able to speak te reo, with 45 per cent knowing nomore than a few words and phrases.
Just over 10 per cent of Maori can speak the language very well or well.
The survey, the first of its kind, found the majority (83 per cent) of Maori believed their whanau was doing well.
It also showed that 89 per cent of respondents knew their iwi.
"The survey results will help give an overall picture of the social and cultural well-being of Maori in New Zealand," Te Kupenga project manager Atawhai Tibble said.
"This information will contribute to a better informed public debate on Maori well-being and identify key areas that need to be addressed."
