Introduce tamariki to te reo Maori through play – discover toys and games that make learning the language fun and natural.
Learning te reo Maori from an early age gives children a wonderful connection to New Zealand’s indigenous language and culture. Te reo toys and games make language learning playful and enjoyable, weaving Maori words and concepts into everyday play. From rainbow blocks featuring kupu (words) to puzzles showcasing native birds, these toys help normalise te reo as a living, spoken language.
Why Te Reo Toys Matter
Language revitalisation is crucial for keeping te reo Maori alive for future generations. When children encounter te reo through play, they absorb vocabulary and develop positive associations with the language.
Benefits of Te Reo Play
- Natural Learning: Children absorb language through play effortlessly
- Cultural Connection: Builds understanding of Maori culture
- Identity: Strengthens sense of belonging in Aotearoa
- Normalisation: Makes te reo part of everyday life
- Bilingual Benefits: Supports cognitive development
- Intergenerational: Whole family learns together
Even for families who don’t speak te reo fluently, these toys provide an accessible entry point for learning together.
Types of Te Reo Toys
Rainbow Blocks & Building Toys
Wooden blocks featuring Maori numbers, colours, and words are hugely popular. These timeless toys combine the appeal of traditional block play with language learning. Blocks might feature numbers one to ten in te reo, colour names, or simple vocabulary. Children learn through repetition as they build and play.
Puzzles with Te Reo
Puzzles featuring native birds, sea creatures, or everyday objects with Maori names help children connect words with images. From simple peg puzzles for toddlers to complex jigsaws for older children, puzzles make excellent learning tools. Look for puzzles featuring manu (birds), ika (fish), or everyday kupu (words).
Flash Cards & Memory Games
Bilingual flash cards present English and te reo together, making them useful for parents learning alongside children. Memory matching games featuring te reo vocabulary turn learning into a fun challenge the whole family can enjoy.
Books & Story Sets
Picture books in te reo Maori or bilingual formats introduce language through storytelling. Some sets include soft toys or puppets representing characters from the stories, bringing narratives to life. Board books are perfect for babies and toddlers.
Musical Toys
Toys that play waiata (songs) in te reo help children learn through music. Traditional Maori instruments like purerhua (bullroarers) and poi introduce cultural elements alongside language. Singing is one of the most effective ways to learn any language.
Soft Toys & Puppets
Plush toys representing native birds and animals provide opportunities for te reo vocabulary. A soft kiwi becomes a chance to learn about our national bird; a plush tui introduces the word for this beloved songbird. Brands like The Monster Company create charming NZ-themed soft toys.
NZ Brands Making Te Reo Toys
Little Fern
New Zealand-based Little Fern creates beautiful wooden toys featuring te reo Maori. Their rainbow blocks with Maori numbers and colours are particularly popular, as are their puzzles featuring native wildlife with bilingual names.
Tahu Toys
Specialising in te reo Maori resources, Tahu creates educational toys and games specifically designed to support language learning. Their products are developed with input from te reo experts.
Kiwi Crate
Various NZ subscription boxes and toy companies incorporate te reo into their products, recognising the growing demand for bilingual toys from parents wanting to support language learning at home.
The Monster Company
The Monster Company creates adorable NZ-themed soft toys including native birds. While not exclusively te reo focused, their toys present natural opportunities for introducing Maori bird names.
Te Reo Toys by Age
Age Guide
- 0-2 years: Board books, soft toys, simple stacking blocks
- 2-4 years: Peg puzzles, rainbow blocks, flash cards with pictures
- 4-6 years: Complex puzzles, memory games, simple card games
- 6+ years: Word games, bilingual books, educational apps
Remember, children of any age (and adults too!) can benefit from te reo exposure. It’s never too early or too late to start learning.
Essential Te Reo for Play
Here are common words you’ll encounter on te reo toys:
Numbers (Nga Tau)
- Tahi (1), Rua (2), Toru (3), Wha (4), Rima (5)
- Ono (6), Whitu (7), Waru (8), Iwa (9), Tekau (10)
Colours (Nga Tae)
- Whero (red), Karaka (orange), Kowhai (yellow)
- Kakariki (green), Kikorangi (blue), Papura (purple)
- Ma (white), Pango (black), Parauri (brown)
Animals (Nga Kararehe)
- Kiwi, Tui, Kea, Kereru (pigeon), Piwakawaka (fantail)
- Ika (fish), Tohorā (whale), Kuri (dog), Ngeru (cat)
For more about NZ native birds, see our guides on the tui bird and piwakawaka (fantail).
Where to Buy Te Reo Toys in NZ
Online Specialists
Dedicated NZ toy stores stock te reo toys, including The Wooden Toy Box, Flying Fish, and various Etsy NZ sellers. Online shopping gives you access to the widest range of options.
Museum Shops
Te Papa and Auckland Museum gift shops stock quality te reo toys alongside cultural items. These make excellent gifts when visiting with family or as souvenirs with meaning.
Book Stores
Unity Books, Paper Plus, and Whitcoulls stock bilingual children’s books. Some also carry wooden toys and flash cards.
Markets & Craft Fairs
NZ makers often sell handcrafted wooden toys at weekend markets. These unique pieces support local craftspeople while often featuring beautiful NZ-specific designs.
Te Reo Toys as Gifts
Te reo toys make meaningful gifts that support language learning while celebrating NZ culture.
Gift Ideas
- Baby Shower: Board books, soft toys, stacking blocks
- First Birthday: Rainbow blocks, simple puzzles
- Preschooler: Flash cards, memory games, picture books
- School Age: Word games, chapter books in te reo
- Teachers: Classroom resource sets
For more children’s gift ideas, see our NZ children’s gifts guide.