29 April 2011

Budgeting And Maori Language Week

In time for Māori Language Week 2011 the Federation of Family Budgeting Services has made their website available in te reo Māori.

“Around 38% of our clients identify themselves as Māori,” says Family Budgeting Services CEO Raewyn Fox, “and it is important we can offer resources in the language of our clients wherever possible.”

Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (The Māori Language Commission) have chosen “Manaakitanga” as the theme for Māori Language Week 2011, which is about making people feel welcome when they are in our company, and how we give regard to and care for others when hosting visitors.

“An important part of offering budgeting advice is making the client feel comfortable,” Mrs Fox says. “We have a number of budgeting services throughout New Zealand with multilingual and culturally aware staff. It is important budget advisers can relate to anyone - in this economic climate we are seeing clients from all walks of life including Māori and non-Māori, Pacific Islanders, Asian, those on a benefit as well as those in employment. Our budgeting services are open to anyone and welcome anyone.”

The Federation of Family Budgeting Services offers free, confidential, non-judgemental budget advice through its 150 member budgeting services around New Zealand.

“Last year we offered budget advice to over 31,000 individuals and families, and helped them retire over $17 million of debt,” Mrs Fox says. “These clients included a significant number whose first language was not English. This has been an increasing trend in recent years and one we expect will continue.”

Most budget advisers are volunteers. They are highly trained through New Zealand Qualification Authority (NZQA) recognised training courses.

“The Te Reo Māori content will remain on our website even after Māori Language Week,” Mrs Fox says, “and may extend into other resources.”

Visit the Federation of Family Budgeting Services online here: www.familybudgeting.org.nz.

ENDS

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