14 March 2005
National Campaign promotes Maori Language
The Maori Language Commission, Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori, has launched a four-year nationwide information programme – ‘Korero Maori’ – with support from the Government and Te Puni Kokiri.
A function to mark the end of the ‘Celebrate New Zealand’ campaign by Progressive Enterprises Limited and the unveiling of the new initiative is being held in Wellington at 6pm tonight (14/03).
Funding of $1 million per annum over the next four years for a Maori language information programme was approved by Cabinet in 2003.
The chief executive of Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori, Haami Piripi, says the public campaign will initially provide user-friendly and accessible information, resources and incentives to support the regeneration of the Maori language.
‘Korero Maori’ will focus on seven projects in its first year: a Maori language game show for Maori television; a radio drama serial for native speakers; a bilingual ‘radio-sode’ targeted at youth; an interactive website; an information kit for new parents; Maori phrase booklets; and language conferences and events.
The public campaign will be thematic starting with the ‘summer of Maori language’ until April this year, then Matariki – Maori New Year – followed by Maori Language Week (July 25-31) and the 2nd Maori Language Awards.
The focus will be refined each year with new resources produced to ensure the content is current and topical.
“The programme will focus on increasing the value and use of reo Maori in contemporary New Zealand and aims to increase language use and strengthen the role Maori language has in shaping national identity,” Haami Piripi says.
“We want more Maori to use reo Maori and all New Zealanders to value the language.”
The chief executive of Te Puni Kokiri, Leith Comer, says the Government’s Maori Language Strategy provides a vision for the continued regeneration of reo Maori and that ‘Korero Maori’ activities will greatly contribute to the outcomes of that strategy.
“The campaign will provide iwi, hapu and local communities with information aimed at assisting them, in their own respective endeavours, to help ensure that reo Maori survives and grows,” Leith Comer says.
“It is the communities that are at the forefront of leading initiatives and I am pleased that resources have gone into supporting developments at this level.
“I also think that the projects’ focus on providing information to all New Zealanders on the use and place of Maori language in contemporary New Zealand is excellent.
“Information provides knowledge and I hope that with enhanced knowledge, people will form a view on the value of Maori language and our cultural identity that is a positive one.”
Te Kaiwhitiwhiti Korero
Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori
media@tetaurawhiri.govt.nz
Tel: 04 4716 724