Maori Language Week is in full swing with a number of cultural showcases happening around the region.
Lee Kershaw-Karaitiana , Maori and Pasifika liaison advisor for Eastern Institute of Technology, said the school for Maori studies, Te Uranga Waka, is "a vibrant hub" with a host of Maori Language Week events.
Yesterday Lee Smith from the Maori Language Commission gave a lecture in te reo on dialectal variations in Ngati Kahungunu.
Mr Kershaw-Karaitiana said the lecture was very well received by the 100 plus people in attendance.
He said feedback from the kaumatua (Maori elders) was that Mr Smith's speech was "out of this world".
"It was a fantastic talk and so relevant in this day and age. It will help Ngati Kahungunu move forward and acknowledge the dialectal differences, which is something our people wanted.
"I think this will be the first of a number of related talks."
Following on from Maori Language Week, Anglican Care Waiapu is offering a three-day course in elementary Maori pronunciation, phrases of greeting and exploration of some key Maori cultural concepts.
Anglican priest Reverend Leo Te Kira is in his fourth year of running the workshop which has been very successful in the past. "I was influenced to resource people with proper Maori pronunciation."
Reverend Te Kira said he wants to impart his knowledge and help preserve the language. "I want people to have a good appreciation for Maori tradition, an understanding of the Treaty of Waitangi and help them learn about their inner selves."
Reverend Te Kira said the language was in an encouraging state with a number of bi-lingual schools but there was still work to be done. The KETE course runs from 9am to 3pm from September 7 to 9. For each participant $100 covers the three days of tuition, the KETE workbook, CD, completion certificate and luncheon.
Reverend Te Kira is taking bookings on 021 1084065 until September 1.