7 November 2006

Play on Maori Language a World First

The first game-based interactive advertisement to feature Maori language and Shoko Brandplays latest ‘tile’ technology is on show during November in Wellington and Auckland.

“We have used a map of Aotearoa with selected bilingual place names segmented into ‘tiles’ that flip when the image is triggered by hand or body motion.” says Haami Piripi Chief Executive Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori (Maori Language Commission).

“When I first heard about the concept from Shane Ta’ala of Sway Communication based in Auckland, I wasn’t sure what to expect, now that I’ve seen it in action, the appeal for the next generation is obvious,” says Mr Piripi.

“We’re excited that the Maori Language Commission has embraced this communication device to inspire the next generation. It brings the Maori language to young people – for them interactive technology is second nature, there are no barriers or rules,” says Mr Ta’ala.

Sway Communication and the Commission have just begun exploring and creating innovative ways of combining reo Maori and technology to break new ground. “We are looking forward to continuing our relationship and developing new ideas to make Maori language a living everyday means of communication,” says Mr Piripi.

The Korero Maori ‘map’ interactives are on display for the month of November at Village Sky City Cinemas in St Lukes & Queens St, Auckland and Westfield Queensgate, Lower Hutt.

Ends

For more information contact:
Lana Simmons-Donaldson,
Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori,
lana@tetaurawhiri.govt.nz  
www.koreromaori.govt.nz
PH:               04 471 0244       

Shane Ta'ala
Sway Communication
shane@sway.co.nz
www.brandplay.co.nz
PH:               09 300 6061       
MOB: 021 389 23509 300 6061