Maori Language Pop Song Shoots To Top Of New Zealand iTunes Chart

An entirely Te reo Maori language pop song by Pūkana & Whānau has shot to the top of New Zealand's iTunes Chart this week, knocking Justin Timberlake's Can't Stop The Feeling! off the throne.

According to The Guardian, the gospel pop song's title Maimoatia translates to mean "Cherish It" and urges Kiwis to sing and speak in Te reo Maori more often to save it for future generations.

The song features a slew of children, teens and lesser-known New Zealand singers and marks Maori Language Week in New Zealand. 

One of the song's voices, Nathan Howe, said, "A lot of young Maori don’t speak the language because they are shy and fearful of making mistakes with it.

"We wanted to empower young New Zealanders to own the language, to feel that it’s our responsibility to keep it alive."

The song's producer Marama Gardiner also added, "Our language is how we identify as a people and feel proud of who we are, it’s everything.

"I want this song to go global, for people to be singing a great Te reo song all over the world. That would be such a boost of confidence for speakers in New Zealand, that their indigenous language is not dying but adapting."