In an incredible first for Aotearoa, Jade Kake has achieved her registration as an architect entirely in Te Reo Māori. This groundbreaking milestone is not just a personal triumph but an inspiration for pakihi Māori and Māori professionals striving to weave Te Ao Māori into their industries.

Jade's journey has been guided by a commitment to her Reo, tikanga, and whakapapa. She took a bold step in 2022, dedicating an entire year to full-immersion Reo learning, a kaupapa that would shape her future in ways she hadn’t imagined. That year of wānanga not only strengthened her fluency but also inspired her to begin developing a Reo Māori architectural glossary - ensuring that the language of design in Aotearoa reflects a Māori worldview.

When it came time to pursue her professional registration, she knew there was only one way she wanted to do it: entirely in te Reo Māori. This was no small feat. The process required translating technical architectural documentation, writing her case studies, and even conducting the rigorous three-hour examination entirely in te Reo. While some English materials remained due to industry norms, Jade’s determination set a powerful precedent for the future of the profession.

Her mahi continues as part of her PhD research, where she is expanding her reo Māori glossary into a full bilingual dictionary for architecture. This work isn’t just about translation - it’s about decolonising the language of design and ensuring it aligns with a te ao Māori lens. Through collaboration with Reo experts and industry professionals, she is bridging worlds and reclaiming space for Māori in architecture.

Jade’s hope is that her journey will inspire the next generation of Māori architects, designers, and professionals to see te Reo Māori as not just a personal taonga but a professional strength. She also calls for more industry support to uplift Māori graduates, foster culturally safe workspaces, and dismantle the systemic barriers that often hinder Māori advancement in specialist fields.

Jade Kake’s success is a reminder that our Reo and tikanga have a rightful place in every corner of our professional lives. Her story urges us all to dream bigger, push boundaries, and ensure te Ao Māori thrives in every sector of Aotearoa.