Te 8 o nga ra o Mahuru / 8 September 2005

New interactive ‘Korero Maori’ website launched

An exciting new interactive website www.koreromaori.co.nz  will be launched on Maori Language day, next Wednesday 14 September, 2005.

The website will be launched at the Maori Language Week Awards Gala Dinner on the 14th of September starting at 6.30pm. You will be able to join the awards night and launch via live web streaming from the following website www.koreromaori.co.nz.

This site has been developed by the Maori Language Commission and has two key aims, to increase the use of reo Maori and to raise awareness of Maori language issues. The site will act as the home of a national e-based Mäori Language Club and includes interactive conversations, a basic guide to Maori language and culture, information for speakers of te reo and ideas for businesses.

“The site is unique in that it provides bilingual Maori-English pages side by side – usually you have to visit a new page to see the Maori translation,” says Commission Chief Executive Haami Piripi.

“People at every level of language ability will be able to find something of interest on the site. There is a section to upload reo Maori events and a space to share your personal stories about what the Maori language means to you.

“More importantly, the site helps to realise our vision for te reo Maori to be available as a living national taonga for all New Zealanders, wherever they may be in the world.

For information about the website:

Lana Simmons-Donaldson, Korero Maori, Website Project Manager, lana@tetaurawhiri.govt.nz,               04 4710 244       ,               0274 574 551       

Tina Collison, Communications, Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori, tina@tetaurawhiri.govt.nz,               04 4710 244        or               021 245 2517       

www.koreromaori.co.nz or www.korero.maori.nz

ENDS