Ngati Kahungunu iwi is currently reviewing its 21 year plan to revitalise the speaking of Te Reo Maori from Wairarapa to Northern Hawke's Bay.
The iwi's Te Reo director Jeremy Tatere McLeod says it's the first major review of progress since the tribe launched a strategic revitalisation plan in 2006.
He says, given that the week before Christmas people are usually worried about last minute shopping, there was a surprisingly good turnout at hui held on Monday 17 December in Napier and Wairoa.
Mr McLeod says many in Ngati Kahungunu are "hui'ed out", after what has been a huge year with discussions over partial state asset sales and Maori rights to water taking up a lot of people's time and energy.
He says the attendance at both hui was a clear signal of the passion iwi members have for the Maori language.
Mr McLeod says further hui are planned for early in 2013 to ensure that members of Ngati Kahungunu in all rohe can take part in the strategic revitalisation review for Te Reo.
