Kua tīmata Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori. Maori Language Week has begun, and to kick it off a roaring parade made its way down central Wellington, drawing hundreds of spectators.
About 20,000 people have registered to take part in six parades across the country this week to celebrate te reo Māori - the biggest response organisers have ever had.
On Monday, tamariki had just one message for New Zealanders - kia kaha te reo Māori - keep the Māori language strong.
Te Aniwa Hurihanganui reports.
