14 March 2005
Thousands ‘Give It A Go’ with Maori Language
More than 350,000 copies of a Maori language booklet were distributed free through 150 stores of a national supermarket chain last month (Feb).
Haami Piripi, the chief executive of Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori – the Maori Language Commission – has applauded the initiative by Progressive Enterprises Limited (PEL).
The ‘Give It A Go – Korero Maori’ booklets formed a part of PEL’s ‘Celebrate New Zealand’ campaign during the month of February and were available from Foodtown, Woolworths and Countdown stores throughout the country.
The campaign encourages New Zealanders to celebrate our country, its people, our culture, locally made products and the ‘kiwi way of life’.
Adapted from the hugely popular phrase books produced for Maori Language Week in 2004, the booklets include a basic guide to getting started in Maori language plus a number of phrases relevant to shopping and summer activities.
Haami Piripi says he is excited to see a major national retail chain playing such a proactive role in making the language available to New Zealanders.
“PEL has approximately one million customers every week through their stores and their enthusiasm in making the booklet available to such a sizeable portion of the population demonstrates a real commitment to a vitally important part of this country’s unique cultural identity.
“I can only hope the impact that I’m sure the promotion will have will spur other large New Zealand retailers and business to follow this great example. To Progressive Enterprises, I say ka rawe and congratulations!”
PEL managing director Richard Umbers says ‘Celebrate New Zealand’ encourages more Kiwis to stop and take stock of how they can celebrate the positive things about their lives, the things that make them proud to be living in Aotearoa.
“We live in a wonderful country and we can easily take for granted much of what our nation has to offer.”
The ‘Celebrate New Zealand’ campaign also included demonstrations and tastings of local food and wine, an art competition for young New Zealanders, promotion of the company’s environmental programme as well as customer promotions and an increase in the ratio of Kiwi music on in-store radio. This is the third year of the campaign.
“We employ more than 18,000 New Zealanders and touch the lives of the more than one million people who every week pass through our doors. It’s a responsibility we take seriously, and it’s the reason we’re so committed to the ‘Celebrate New Zealand’ programme and all it represents.”
Te Kaiwhitiwhiti Korero
Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori
media@tetaurawhiri.govt.nz
Tel: 04 4716 724