Last season members of the Blues Men’s squad took part in Māori language classes as a way of connecting with the Māori culture.

Led by kaiako (teachers) Dr Toiroa Williams and Te Rerekohu Tuterangiwhiu, the classes were for some a way to reconnect with their culture and where they came from, for others it was a first step into learning and growing their reo.

After last season’s success, The Blues are planning to offer Māori language classes again as part of their Personal Development offering in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Blues Personal Development Manager, Brooke Kapa, was integral in getting the Māori classes started.

“When I shared my journey about my own reo and going to Te Wānanga Takiura - the trials and tribulations, but also the joys - it galvanized a few of the men to come to me and want the same,” said Kapa.

She said the classes provided a supportive environment filled with awhi (kindness) where waiata (song) was used as a tool for learning. 

Blues Fullback, Zarn Sullivan, was part of the group who embarked on his Māori language journey.

“For me it’s trying to pick [the language] up, learn a little bit more and take that guilt away from being one of the older ones and not really knowing my reo,” said Sullivan.

“Being able to learn a mihi mihi will be bloody awesome and if I get interviewed, I would love to be able to pull it out and express my reo,” he said. 

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