2005 marks the 30th anniversary of Maori Language Week. The theme of this year's Maori Language Week (25 - 31 July) is 'Korero Maori, Give It a Go / Kia kaha ake'. The aim is to encourage New Zealanders to have a go at speaking Maori and to create a supportive environment for this to happen.

City Gallery Wellington is holding a range of activities to celebrate Maori Language Week, in connection with the current exhibition 'Small World, Big Town: Contemporary Art from Te Papa'.

Image: Hine Titama becomes Hine Nui te Po, (detail, 2002) by John Walsh
2005 marks the 30th anniversary of Maori Language Week. The theme of this year's Maori Language Week (25 - 31 July) is 'Korero Maori, Give It a Go / Kia kaha ake'. The aim is to encourage New Zealanders to have a go at speaking Maori and to create a supportive environment for this to happen.

City Gallery Wellington is holding a range of activities to celebrate Maori Language Week, in connection with the current exhibition 'Small World, Big Town: Contemporary Art from Te Papa'.

Image: Hine Titama becomes Hine Nui te Po, (detail, 2002) by John Walsh
School groups visiting the Gallery during Maori Language Week can explore Maori legend through dance, connecting into the narratives of journeying that are present in many of the art works in 'Small World, Big Town', or take part in a raranga (weaving) workshop.

City Gallery Wellington is also holding two events for the general public, focusing on the theme 'Korero Maori, Give It a Go / Kia kaha ake':

Tu te Reo: GUIDED TOUR
Te Whaea Ireland
Saturday 30 July, 1pm
City Gallery Wellington offers a Te reo Maori interpretation of the exhibitions 'Small World, Big Town' and 'Noel McKenna - Sheltered Life' alongside our regular guided tour.

Tu te Reo: STORYTELLING
Hera Taute
Saturday 30 July, 2pm
Bring friends and whanau to listen to local storyteller Hera Taute present a range of exciting stories told in Te reo Maori.

So kia kaha ake - give Te reo a go at City Gallery Wellington next weekend!

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For more information about these public events, contact :
Robyn Walker, Public Programmes Co-ordinator, City Gallery Wellington
T: 04 801 3987 E: robyn.walker@wcc.govt.nz

For more information about City Gallery Wellington education programmes, contact :
Janina Dell, Gallery Educator Maori, City Gallery Wellington
T: 04 801 3081 E: janina.dell@wcc.govt.nz

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'Small Town, Big World: Contemporary Art from Te Papa' is a partnership exhibition between City Gallery Wellington and the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Presented by Simpson Grierson, proud supporters of City Gallery Wellington

City Gallery Wellington is managed by the Wellington Museums Trust with major funding support from the Wellington City Council