Countdown supermarkets embrace te reo

Countdown supermarkets embrace te reo

Countdown supermarkets has committed to perhaps one of the most significant Māori language initiatives by a corporate entity since the Māori language was made an official language in 1987, according to Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori.

For the second year running Countdown has taken a proactive role promoting te reo Māori during Māori Language week in all Countdown, Foodtown and Woolworths stores.

This is a massive effort and has won strong praise from Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori.

Chief Executive Glenis Philip-Barbara says with 158 stores nation wide this effort will expose over two million shoppers to te reo Māori over Māori Language week.

“I also note their commitment to the language is not just confined to Māori Language week either. Two weeks ago, Countdown opened their first bilingual store in Tokoroa.”

Last year Countdown, Foodtown and Woolworths supermarkets across the country featured Māori words and phrases in promotional posters, and special ticketing. As well as that, their regular mailer, which reaches 1.4 million households, also featured bilingual components.

This year Countdown continues their bilingual advertising approach and have added some online elements as well. In addition, Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori phrase books, based on the Māori Language Week theme ‘Manaakitanga’, are available for free at all Countdown, Foodtown & Woolworths supermarkets across the country.

“This represents a major achievement for te reo Māori, and Countdown should be congratulated for their continued bravery and foresight in delivering the language to a nationwide audience. We will continue working with them to explore other ways to integrate the language across their business” says Glenis Philip-Barbara.

ENDS

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