Editor’s Note: Kia ora

Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa. Greetings to you all.

This issue comes to you during Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, otherwise known as Māori Language Week.

Celebrated in Aotearoa since 1975, this week is an opportunity for the promotion of te reo Māori, helping to secure its future as a rich and dynamic language. Te Wiki o te Reo Māori happens from 11-17 Hepetema (September) 2023. The theme is Kia Kaha te Reo Māori – making the language stronger – continuing from 2022, as part of a vision to have one million speakers of te reo Māori in 2040.

Make the effort, even if it is just to learn a couple of phrases, to help keep New Zealand’s heritage alive.

Next month will also be time to make another effort, and to vote in the country’s general election.

In our 31 August issue, Metropol incorrectly reported that voting papers would be mailed out for the 2023 General Election in October.
To vote you must physically go to a polling booth.

Remember that this is a chance for all eligible New Zealanders, aged 18 years and over, to vote for the parties and candidates they want to represent them in Parliament for the next three years. Political rhetoric is already to the fore as politicians and aspirants try to woo constituents.

Voting starts on Monday 2 October at polling places around the country. On election day, Saturday 14 October, all voting places will be open from 9am to 7pm. Information about the locations and opening hours of voting places will be available from mid-September on vote.nz.

Having your say is important, whether it is speaking te Reo Māori, voting, or sharing your thoughts on topics near and dear to you. Don’t waste these opportunites.