Oracy is our ability to understand and use spoken language.

Why is it important?

It is the ‘beating heart’ of learning, allowing children to express ideas, listen actively and build language. Oracy + literacy + numeracy = a successful learning pyramid.

Oracy connects us with others, allows us to participate and provides the foundations for learning. For our tamariki, it is vital for their wellbeing, confidence and future success.

Too many children in Aotearoa, however, start school without the basic language skills they need. This affects learning, behaviour, relationships and long-term outcomes. It’s a national issue that requires coordinated action. And it needs action now.

Our Vision

Every child in Aotearoa starts school with the oracy skills they need to flourish.

We want to build a national movement that makes oracy a national priority - valued alongside literacy and numeracy, embedded in curriculum design and supported through teacher development.

We also believe in empowering parents, caregivers and whānau with practical, culturally grounded ways to build rich language experiences at home.

The Opportunity

• Oracy is powerful, teachable and transformative.

• Improving kids’ oracy skills help them negotiate and navigate life easier

• When adults around tamariki know how to activate oracy, outcomes shift quickly.

• Strong oracy builds community and supports equity.