Te Reo Māori on the Streets

Local taitamariki from Kaikohe said that they want to see “Te Reo Māori Everywhere!” and that they want their town to be bright and colourful – so ĀKAU took up the challenge! Te Reo Māori on the Streets is a point of difference and a source of pride. This kaupapa has taken the form of typographic artworks from small scale and signage through to large super graphics to create a live learning experience and promote the use of Te Reo Māori in Kaikohe.

In 2020 Phase 01, ĀKAU developed the designs for the first 4 installations with a rōpu of taitamariki from Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Kaikohe. EQ8 Accounting has been the first building to begin the transformation with newly painted graphics showcasing the taitamariki’s designs and Te Reo o Ngāpuhi.

In 2021 Phase 02, we extended this Kaupapa by taking on another 6 buildings and working with 3 more schools and even more taitamariki in Kaikohe to bring this to life.