29 June 2011
Media Release
Manaakitanga moments shared at Maori Language Week launch
Students from local Wellington schools have been invited to share their version of a “Manaakitanga Moment” at the launch for Maori Language Week being held at Te Wharewaka-o-Poneke along the Wellington waterfront on the morning of 4 July.
Minister of Maori Affairs will be in attendance and will officially open the weeks celebrations.
“Manaakitanga is a broad cultural concept that describes how Maori demonstrate their care, respect and tolerance for others. We produced a promotional viral which applied the concept of manaakitanga in a rugby context – we’re hopeful of seeing other more creative interpretations of manaakitanga from the students at the launch event”, says Chief Executive, Glenis Philip-Barbara.
Six students from each of the participating schools including Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Nga Mokopuna in Seatoun; Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Te Ara Whanui in Petone and Te Kura o Otari in Wilton, have been charged with showcasing their “Manaakitanga Moment”. Each school has two minutes on stage to “demonstrate” their manaakitanga moment and all acts must be in te reo Maori.
The schools will be judged by the Master’s of Ceremonies for the launch, singer/songwriter Ria Hall and Marae DIY presenter, Te Ori Paki. The Minister of Maori Affairs, Hon Pita Sharples will also assist in the judging.
The winning school will receive Maori Language Week merchandise and other prizes.
“This is an awesome way to kick the week off – having young people share with us their perceptions of manaakitanga. We expect to see many more such interpretations across the motu over the coming week” says Glenis Philip-Barbara.
ENDS
Contact: Debra Jensen, 04 471 6725, 027 231 4297