Witi’s journey with te reo Māori has not always been straightforward. As a child, he spoke te reo at home in Waituhi, but English soon took over as school and writing became his focus. It was not until later in life that he felt the loss, realising he had been writing and living in “the wrong language.” In recent years, Witi has taken a Māori language course, wrestling with grammar, memory and self-doubt before slowly finding his way back to the language that holds the heart of Māori knowledge and identity.

Together, Olivia and Witi show how learning te reo Māori can be woven into everyday moments, even something as simple as your morning coffee order.

Throughout the week, we will embrace te reo Māori across all our platforms. Pick up a bag of Supreme Blend and you will see its te reo Māori name, Taioreore, front and centre.

Ordering online? We will include our te reo Māori phrase card with your order so you can put it to use next time you are out ordering a coffee. You can also pick one up in-store at our Coffee Supreme locations — Customs, Midland Park and Supreme Supreme — or download it to your device here.

Keep up to date with Witi at Witi’s World on Substack.