te reo

This term is a loan phrase from Maori, where "te" is the definite article and "reo" means language or voice. While it literally translates to "the language," in New Zealand English it is used as a proper noun to specifically refer to the Maori language. It carries a strong connotation of cultural identity, heritage, and indigenous rights.

Because it is a specific name for a language, it functions as an uncountable noun. It is rarely pluralized and does not take a count marker. In formal and respectful contexts, it is often used without the English word "language" following it, as the term itself encompasses that meaning.