Ever since Vianney Douglas started learning te reo Maori in her first year at high school she has done all she can to improve her skills.
Ms Douglas may be a second language learner of te reo but the value she holds for it is one of her first priorities - and she has made sure her children understand its importance too.
Today marks the beginning of Te Wiki O Te Reo Maori (Maori Language Week), which runs until September 17. The theme is Kia ora te reo Māori as a way to celebrate New Zealand's indigenous greeting.
Read more: Māori language set to break down barriers
She said learning te reo was more than understanding the language - it was also about understanding the culture and tikanga (customs and values).