Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori - Māori Language Week runs from 11-17 September. The theme, Kia ora te reo Māori, celebrates New Zealand's indigenous greeting and speaks to the health and vitality of Te Reo Māori.

The Tauranga Arts Festival have programmed several events that celebrate and incorporate Te Reo Māori.

Ria Hall - Rules of Engagement

Saturday 28 October, 7pm

Addison Theatre, Baycourt

Hall's inspiration has been a letter Henare Taratoa wrote to Sir George Grey outlining the code of conduct under which the 1864 Battle of Pukehinahina (Gate Pā) should ensue, and how both parties should conduct themselves. A blazing female force in New Zealand music, Ria is free-thinking, edgy and unapologetic. Her sound fuses furious hip hop beats and richly layered vocals in English and Te Reo, creating an epic soundscape of many genres.

The Māori Sidesteps

Sunday 22 October, 8:30pm

Carrus Crystal Palace

The Māori Sidesteps are the newest and naughtiest Māori showband on the Aotearoa entertainment scene creating a live music and comedy show starring some of New Zealand's best entertainers; Cohen Holloway (Hunt for the Wilderpeople), Rob Mokaraka (Shot Bro, Tama Tu), Jamie McCaskill (Modern Māori Quartet), Jerome Leota (Naked Samoans) and Erroll Anderson (Ghost in the Shell).

Sleeps Standing: Witi Ihimaera and Hemi Kelly

Saturday 28 October, 2:30pm

Carrus Crystal Palace

Witi Ihimaera and Hemi Kelly will discuss Sleeps Standing, published this month, about the Battle of Orakau that took place near Te Awamutu in 1864. Kelly has translated Ihimaera's novella into Te Reo with the book also including eyewitness accounts from Māori.

The tenth Tauranga Arts Festival takes place from October 19-29. Programmes are widely available or see www.taurangafestival.co.nz. Tickets from Baycourt or Ticketek. TECT cardholder discounts are available until October 6 for Baycourt box office sales only.