News Release
Tuesday 14 June 2011

Maori language workshop for migrants

ROTORUA 14.06.11 : Newcomers to Rotorua and those unfamiliar with Te Reo Maori are being encouraged to attend a Maori language workshop to help them become confident with using Maori words.

Rotorua District Council (RDC) is offering the ‘Hear and Say’ Maori language pronunciation workshop at Rotorua Arts Village Experience (RAVE) on Saturday 2 July from 9am to 3pm as part of Maori Language Week [4 to 10 July] celebrations.

RDC Settlement Support officer Heather McAllister said migrants would most benefit from attending, especially those working in customer service, tourism, health, education, and central and local government.

“Maori words are quite prominent in Rotorua through street, building, and people’s names which makes our city quite unique from other parts of country.

“However migrants can become quite daunted by the visibility of so many Maori names because they find them hard to read or pronounce.

“This workshop will help our newcomers gain confidence so that whenever they see a Maori word they can give it a go.”

The workshop is being presented by Jeffrey Addison and Whaitaima Te Whare who use their extensive performing arts and teaching experience, and incorporate live music and puppetry into a fun-filled six hour workshop.

Participants will learn to pronounce Maori words correctly, and learn greetings and farewells, local place names, street names, lakes, mountains and people’s names.

The workshop is $25 per person, and includes lunch and refreshments. Participants must be aged over 16 years, and numbers are limited so get in quick.

For further information and to register contact RDC Settlement Support Officer Heather McAllister on 351 7054 or email ssnzrotorua@rdc.govt.nz .

ENDS

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