Media Statement 4 September 2007

Maori Language Week Awards finalists announced

The 4^th annual Maori Language Week Awards will be held in Wellington on Friday 14 September 2007. This year’s event has attracted an 18% increase in entries. 

“The bar has been raised by entrants to this year’s Maori Language Week Awards, with a far wider reaching range of activities and promotions outstripping previous years”.   That’s according to Maori Language Commission Chief Executive Huhana Rokx.

“Judges have said they were inspired and impressed with the calibre of the entries received this year. Particularly the innovation and commitment organisations made to involve community wide support and incorporate the tapoi – tourism theme into activities,” says Mrs Rokx.

Maori Language Week Awards recognise and celebrate creative efforts to promote reo Maori. From the entries, 42 made it through as finalists and will vie for awards in 19 categories that span: print, radio, television, public libraries, schools, tertiary institutions, government, local body, community, government, sport, art and business.

Four new awards were offered this year to celebrate Maori language promotion in tourism and health, and the school award category was also expanded to provide more opportunities for preschools, primary, intermediate and high schools. 

Of the 42 finalists one will be selected as the Supreme Award, overall winner. Award winners will be announced to a capacity crowd at the 2007 Maori Language Week Awards, Friday evening, 14 September at the Duxton Ballroom, Wellington.  

Mrs Rokx says the volume and standard of entries showed leadership and inventiveness of communities committed to having fun and using the language in new ways.

“Whether it’s a nationwide promotion of the national anthem, extended reo Maori use in schools, workplaces and libraries; regional coordination between community organisations, businesses and local government; or a Maori language auction on ‘Trade Me’. This year's applications have demonstrated a keen commitment to Maori Language, mixed with some good old fashioned ‘number eight wired’ ingenuity.”

"An extremely positive sign has been the growing number of first time entrants in the finalists’ line-up. Of the finalists, 64% are first time entrants and one will be announced as the inaugural winner.

“Another positive is the growing number of entries from non-Maori organisations. We are thrilled that New Zealanders are showing the leadership and courage to stand up and be acknowledged for their support of Maori language as an important part of national identity,” says Mrs Rokx.

The awards are a signature event organised by Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori, and includes support and sponsorship from: Tourism New Zealand, Te Puia, Te Mangai Paho, Maori Television Service, Auahi Kore, Te Puni Kokiri; Ministry of Education, National Library; JR Design & Lithographic Services, Wigley & Pacific Law and the Human Rights Commission.

Ends

For more information contact: Lana Simmons-Donaldson, Communications Manager, Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori on 04 4716 724 or 0274 574 551, lana@tetaurawhiri.govt.nz

Regional breakdown of finalists follows:

Maori Language Week Awards 2007 finalists by region