July 11, 2016
Businesses get behind reo week
The Maori Language Commission is welcoming the support businesses gave this year’s Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori.
Taura Whiri chief executive Ngahiwi Apanui says it was pleasing to see so many businesses start their te reo journeys.
Stand-outs included the All Blacks’ promise to give more support to players who want to learn te reo Maori, and Air NZ for producing a tohu or pin for their Maori language speaking staff and for bilingualising their in-flight service.
TranzRail, Tranzdev and Greater Wellington Regional Council for producing new audio announcements on the Wellington train lines that not only correct the mispronunciation of Maori place names but also introduce Maori greetings including ‘nau mai haere mai’.
Westpac introduced a Maori language option on ATMs throughout the country, and Progressive supermarkets put Maori names on a range of products.
Mr Apanui says the week generated a lot of extra work for the commission, with many government organisations and businesses wanting to do more for the language.
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