It is a challenge bringing up a family to speak Maori at any time, but imagine if you are living in England.
As part of 3 News' Maori Language Week coverage, we met up with New Zealanders in London who are keeping Te Reo Maori alive for their children.
London is seen by many New Zealanders as a land of opportunity, but also a land a long way from home.
Seven and a half million people call London home, and it is a melting pot of languages and cultures.
How then do families instil Te Reo Maori in children a long way from Aotearoa?
"Te Reo Maori is essential for our children over here, so they know where they come from and can stand proud of who they are," says Vanessa Marjoribanks, of London's Kohanga Reo.
For 10 years the organisation has nurtured Te Reo Maori in youngsters.
"Maori language is a treasure," says Esther Jessop. "When our children return to New Zealand, they will be able to speak Maori and know that New Zealand is home."
Pakeha and Maori alike attend London's Kohanga Reo, where they sing and speak in Maori and develop language skills so they can use more Maori in their homes.
Thanks to places like this, the Maori language is alive and well in London.
3 News