te reo

/ teɪ ˈreɪəʊ /

noun

1. the Māori language

Word History and Origins

Origin of te reo¹

Māori, literally: the language

Example Sentences

Te reo Maori has been recognised as an official language and is used in schools, universities and public offices.

From Reuters

Schools were established to teach the Māori language, and TV stations, websites and newspapers began carrying content in te reo.

From Los Angeles Times

So for Sperath, the most important moment of this summer’s Women’s World Cup, which kicks off early Thursday morning Pacific time, will come just before the first game when the Tino Rangatiratanga, the red and black Māori flag, is raised above Auckland’s Eden Park Stadium and “God Save New Zealand,” the country’s national anthem, is sung in te reo, the Māori language.

From Los Angeles Times

The plan’s goals were to have at least a million New Zealanders speaking basic te reo; 85% of New Zealanders valuing the language as part of the country’s national identity; and 150,000 Maori under the age of 15 speaking the language as often as English by 2040.

From Los Angeles Times

The language is proving so popular teachers complain of being overwhelmed by classes that routinely draw hundreds of students while heavy-metal and pop groups have shot to the top of New Zealand’s music charts with te reo songs, and two former prime ministers, Jacinda Ardern and Bill English, have made public addresses in the language.

From Los Angeles Times