App to change the way employees engage with Māori economy

Monday 4 April 2016

New mobile app set to change the way employees engage with Māori economy

karanga mai, karanga mai, karanga mai rā!! (The call goes out)

A new bi-lingual mobile app developed by Callaghan Innovation and Auckland technology company Kiwa Digital is set to change the way employees learn te reo
Māori and interact with the Māori economy.

Callaghan Innovation has launched a new app, Te Pou Herenga, that includes key Māori values, concepts and protocols that allow users to improve their knowledge and understanding of Te Ao Māori (The Māori world). Interactive features include pronunciation, maps with Māori names and tribal groups, values and principles, mihimihi / pepeha, whakataukī / proverbs, greetings, farewells, waiata, and the organisation’s own haka.

In launching the app to staff Hemi Rolleston General Manager Māori Economy said, “The app is the latest tool from the Māori Economy team to help all Callaghan Innovation staff build confidence, skill and awareness when engaging the Māori economy. It provides staff with the opportunity to learn about the language and culture wherever suits them, whether at work or in the privacy of their own home.”

“Today’s business landscape is fluid and busy, so making the learning experience more accessible and flexible was always a priority. You can even record and hear yourself speaking te reo and be able to compare yourself to the given examples.

Callagahan Innovation aims to support business succeed through technology so in essence we are walking the talk ourselves” said Rolleston.

The app developers, Kiwa Digital, welcomed the rolll-out of the new application to Callaghan Innovation staff.

“Kiwa has developed unique technology that is designed to transform the way the business community interacts with Te Ao Māori” said Steven Renata, CEO Kiwa Digital Ltd.

“The technology, which can be customised for any organisation, is designed to build genuine understanding and appreciation from grass roots level up. The app is easy to use and self-paced, and will improve morale and pride across the organisation, as well as building genuine goodwill with the Māori community. We look forward to using the technology with other organisations.” said Renata.

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