Manchester UNESCO City of Literature International Mother Language Day

Dunedin UNESCO City of Literature filmed a special waiata in te reo Māori about our beloved Public Libraries for screening on the City Library Cube and included in Manchester UNESCO City of Literature programme around International Mother Language Day, February 21, 2022.

The film showcases the Dunedin City Council Waiata group that was established in 2002 as a Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori initiative launched by Dunedin Public Libraries. The group’s kaupapa is to provide waiata support for Councillors and Council staff at civic occasions and events, to develop Māori language skills, to increase awareness of tikanga and Te Reo Māori and to build links with Ōtākou and Kāti Huirapa rūnaka (local iwi). Performing at a wide range of functions including Mayoral welcomes, openings of Council facilities, exhibitions, festivals, policy and event launches, the group works under the guidance of tutors from Ōtākou Rūnaka. The waiata screened was composed by the group in 2005.