Whangarei District Council celebrates Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori

20 July 2012

Whangarei District Council celebrates Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori

Whangarei District Council staff will be celebrating Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori next week.

The theme for Māori language week is Arohatia te Reo which means to cherish the language and provide a means by which people of all walks of life can demonstrate their love and regard for the language.

“This is a great way for people who don’t currently speak Te Reo to learn more about Māori culture through the language. We will be encouraging staff to learn and use words, phrases and waiata and to better understand the history and stories,” said Jude Thompson Group Manager for Positive Growth.

“We are seeing a huge amount of talent across our community, our District and the region, and further growth in the Māori economy will be significant across a wide range of industry sectors. It’s important in this environment for Council staff to gain a better understanding of Māori culture. If we can start using Te Reo more then it’s a step in the right direction,” Ms Thompson said.

During the week Council staff are being invited to use their lunchtimes to learn more about Māori culture, language, song, stories and haka. The week will culminate in a haka challenge between the Northland Regional Council and Whangarei District Council at lunchtime on Friday.

ENDS

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