Ko wai mātou
About us
Hītori
History
Te Ataarangi is a language revitalisation movement committed to the survival of the Māori language. Developed by Dame Kāterina Te Heikōkō Mataira and Ngoingoi Pewhairangi its immersion language learning technique is modeled on Caleb Gattegno’s the Silent Way, using Cuisenaire rods and incorporating Māori values and customs.
Te Ataarangi emerged from within the community and has developed over time to become one of the most effective Māori language learning methodologies in producing speakers of te reo Māori. Initially, Te Ataarangi sessions were delivered by native speakers of te reo Māori who were trained to become tutors.
Ngoingoi Pewhairangi
Dame Kāterina Te Heikōkō Mataira
Widely known for its immersion teaching methodology, Te Ataarangi has a wealth of experience in language revitalisation with its key focus being the five principles of language planning. These are:
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Language learning
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Status
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Language use
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Corpus and
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Critical Awareness
These principles together help to build speaker communities whilst supporting the intergenerational transmission of te reo and regional dialects.
Its long-standing success can be contributed to an ability to transform lives and support people to reach their potential. Acknowledged in 2001 by the then Hon Tariana Tūria, Associate Minister of Māori Affairs who described Te Ataarangi (alongside others) as having particular characteristics that can be credited to their success.
Mahere Rautaki
Strategic Plan
Te Āpōpōtanga has been a key component of the Mahere Rautaki of Te Ataarangi Trust for the past four years and determines the future direction for the Trust. The Mahere Rautaki is grounded in the theoretical foundations of language revitalisation which are re-establishing self-priming speaker communities.
Ngā Manutea
Our esteemed Manutea are our remaining connection to the early days of Te Ataarangi. With their unwavering dedication, these kuia continue to support and advise in various kaupapa within Te Ataarangi whānui.
Te Korowai Atawhai o Te Ataarangi
In November 2024, Te Ataarangi was honoured to welcome Te Makau Ariki Te Atawhai Paki as Patron of our kaupapa, holding the esteemed role of Te Korowai Atawhai o Te Ataarangi.
While this formal role was bestowed in 2024, Te Makau Ariki's connection to Te Ataarangi spans many decades. Her journey with the kaupapa began through her training at Te Kuratini o Waikato during the 1990s, and she is herself a Pouako of Te Ataarangi. Through this longstanding relationship, she has witnessed and contributed to the growth of the movement and the revitalisation of te reo Māori within our communities.
As a respected leader and advocate for te reo Māori, tikanga Māori, and the wellbeing of whānau, Te Makau Ariki embodies the values that sit at the heart of Te Ataarangi. The title Te Korowai Atawhai o Te Ataarangi reflects the mantle of care, protection, guidance, and encouragement that she extends over our kaupapa, our kaiako, our ākonga, and the many communities who continue to learn and live te reo Māori through Te Ataarangi.
We are deeply honoured to have Te Makau Ariki standing alongside us as Patron, helping to uphold the vision of our founders and inspiring future generations of speakers and champions of te reo Māori.
Te Rūnanga o Te Ataarangi
Te Ataarangi Trust Board Members
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Te Pūtahi o Te Ataarangi
Te Pūtahi o Te Ataarangi is the operations arm of the organisation that is responsible for managing and implementing the strategic vision of Te Ataarangi Trust.
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