On December 17, Bible Society will launch a brand new version of the Maori New Testament at a special event at Poroporo Marae in Whakatane.

Te Kawenata Hou (The New Testament) is a completely reformatted version of the existing 1952 Maori Bible text. 

After considerable discussion and consultation with various groups in the Maori Christian community, Bible Society began work in 1999 to reformat the 1952 text.  The aim of this undertaking was to present the text in a more readable format, opening it up to newer generations of Maori speakers who are more likely to encounter the printed Maori word in the context of paragraphs and macrons.  Bible Society’s mission is to get the Bible into hands and hearts and feels strongly that Te Kawenata Hou will help more Maori people encounter God through the Bible.

The new version includes paragraphs (existing editions have each verse on a new line), speech marks, section headings, book introductions and most importantly, macrons on long vowels.  While the 1952 text has not been changed, it is presented in a more familiar and contemporary way making it easier to read.  It is a diglot (Maori in the centre columns with the English text of the Good News Bible in the outside columns).

The first Maori New Testament was published in 1837 with the full Bible coming 31 years later in 1868.  Since then, the text has been revised three times, in 1889, 1925 and finally in 1952. 

During the nine year project, the advice of Te Taura Whiri i Te Reo Maori (The Maori Language Commission) was sought and followed.  Bible Society also worked with a commission set up by Te Pihopatanga o Aotearoa, the Maori Anglican communion. 

Work continues on reformatting the Old Testament and the fully reformatted Bible may be available within the next two years.


6 NOVEMBER 2008
For more information or comment please contact:
Stephen Opie
Bible Society
Phone 384 4119 ext 9837
Email