Ākonga begin their te reo Māori journey by developing an understanding of the importance of te reo and tikanga Māori. This beginner-friendly unit builds strong foundations for language learning while introducing students to simple ways of talking about themselves, others, and their immediate world. 

Through engaging activities, learners develop confidence using basic vocabulary, sentence patterns, and everyday expressions. A supportive starting point that nurtures curiosity and enthusiasm for learning te reo Māori.

Ākonga explore identity, belonging, and what makes each person unique while building confidence using te reo Māori. They learn and practise delivering a karakia, introduce themselves, and begin sharing their connections to people and places. 

Through engaging activities and discussions, students reflect on who they are and what shapes their identity. This unit supports the development of language skills alongside a deeper understanding of self and others.

Ākonga explore te reo Māori through topics that are relevant to rangatahi, including hobbies, sport, music, social media, and everyday activities. Students learn to use te reo in authentic situations, describing themselves and others, talking about what they enjoy, and sharing what they do in their daily lives. 

Through engaging and interactive tasks, learners practise language that reflects their real experiences while also exploring tikanga that encourage supporting and acknowledging their peers. This unit helps make te reo Māori normalised, exciting, and meaningful for junior reo ākonga.