23 July 2004

Enthusiastic early response to Maori Language Week

Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori - Maori Language Week - 2004 is already attracting huge interest according to Haami Piripi, Chief Executive of Te Taura Whiri i Te Reo Maori (The Maori Language Commission).

Mr Piripi says the event, which runs from 26 July to 1 August, has already attracted enthusiastic response from a wide range of individuals, community groups, corporate entities and news media. He says there is keen demand for the 'Give it Go - Korero Maori' phrase-booklets and other material such as anthem cards, posters and t-shirts.

"Maori Language Week offers a great opportunity for people to participate - even it's just by learning a couple of everyday phrases or the National Anthem," Mr Piripi says.

"Watching the crowd at the Bledisloe Cup singing the anthem in Maori with such gusto as well as joining in the haka makes me proud to be a New Zealander and shows that people are increasingly making a real effort to embrace the language.

"I'm also very pleased to note that there has been a lot of interest in the inaugural Maori Language Week Awards, which are designed to recognise people's special efforts in recognising the place of reo Maori in this country's unique cultural mix."

Mr Piripi say the awards are in five categories and offer everyone from school groups to local government the chance to participate and have their efforts rewarded.

"Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori has really been making its mark in recent years and, judging by the early response, I'm confident that this year's event will be the most popular and successful yet," Mr Piripi says.

For copies of the Awards entry form or further information visit the website at www.nzreo.org.nz or contact Lana Simmons-Donaldson lana@tetaurawhiri.govt.nz  Tel: 04 4716 724