Māori, also known as Te Reo ("the language"), is an Eastern Polynesian language spoken by the Māori people, the indigenous population of New Zealand. Since 1987, it has been one of New Zealand's official languages. It is closely related to Cook Islands Māori, Tuamotuan, and Tahitian. 

A national census undertaken in 2013 reported that about 148,000 people, or 3.7% of the New Zealand population, could hold a conversation in Māori about everyday things. , 55% of Māori adults reported some knowledge of the language; of these speakers, 64% use Māori at home and 50,000 can speak the language "very well" or "well". 

There was originally no native writing system for Māori. Missionaries brought the Latin alphabet around 1814, and linguist Samuel Lee worked with chief Hongi Hika to systematize the written language in 1820. The resultant phonetic spellings were remarkably successful. Written Māori has changed little since then. 

The English word comes from the Māori language, where it is spelled "Māori". In New Zealand, the Māori language is commonly referred to as "Te Reo" "the language", short for "te reo Māori". 

The spelling "Maori" (without macron) is standard in English outside New Zealand in both general and linguistic usage. The Māori-language spelling "Māori" (with macron) has become common in New Zealand English in recent years, particularly in Māori-specific cultural contexts, although the traditional English spelling is still prevalent in general media and government use.
Is it an official language?
Since 1987, it has been one of New Zealand's official languages