Media Release
9 July 2001

Te Ao Maori Week Celebrates The Maori World

Manukau Libraries will be celebrating the Maori language and the ‘Maori world’ in the last week of July with a range of stimulating activities and a competition for our students to get creative with language and art activities.

The week will culminate in a prizegiving at Otara Music Arts Centre on 27th July to be presided over by the Mayor of Manukau, Sir Barry Curtis.

Sir Barry says, “Our city is home to an estimated 43,000 residents who claim Maori ancestry, the largest and fastest growing urban Maori population in New Zealand. Therefore it is imperative that Manukau Libraries continue to build up their Te Reo resources, and fitting that we celebrate the ‘Maori world’ with this special week.”

Manukau City Council’s Librarian, Maori Services and organiser of the event, Jock Walker, says, “Historically Manukau Libraries have celebrated Te Reo Maori over the course of the year with Maori speakers, story tellers and art displays. However community consultation has revealed people want even more emphasis on education sessions, and displays promoting and encouraging the use of Te Reo Maori in our city.

“This year Manukau Libraries are pleased to join with other libraries in New Zealand in celebrating Maori language week. One difference is that Manukua’s celebration will include all aspects of the ‘Maori world’.

“We have endeavoured to provide a wide range of enriching activities including Maori storytellers, whakapapa, rongoa sessions, a contemporary dance group and displays of carving and weaving by MIT students.

“We are fortunate to have secured some well known guests to share their knowledge and storytelling flair including, Deputy Mayor Cr Anne Candy, and local identity Rangi Mclean”

The competition, open to all age groups, will give children the opportunity to celebrate the history of Manukau by designing a picture, writing a story or composing a poem about the Maori history of their local area. Competition entries can be handed into a local library and closing date is Friday July 20.

The prizegiving will take place at 6pm on Friday 27 July at the Otara Music Arts Centre

Ends

Media Contact
Gabrielle Hinton
Media Liaison
Corporate Communications
Manukau City Council
Phone: (09) 2628900 x 8650
Fax: (09) 2625759
Email: ghinton@manukau.govt.nz

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