New Maori Language Resources Get Tourism Theme

Maori Language Week 23-29 July 2007

New Maori language resources get tourism theme on the road

New resources launched yesterday in Taupo promote and support tourism as the theme for this year's Maori Language Week.

Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori Chief Executive Huhana Rokx launched the set of new resources promoting this year's catchphrase 'Kia ora' and 'He Korero mo Aotearoa On the Road with te Reo' at the New Zealand Maori Tourism Council conference in Taupo.

"Tapoi or Tourism is the theme of this year's Maori Language Week which begins on 23 July. The aim is to get the tourism sector and the wider community involved in using and sharing the reo Maori they know while they are out and about in their daily lives, whether that means welcoming visitors, giving directions to someone on the street or ordering food," says Huhana.

"This year we have partnered with Tourism New Zealand, Te Puni Kokiri and the Human Rights Commission to produce resources that support tourism businesses and organisations in general to add value to their bottom line by using the Maori language in their everyday activities," says Huhana.

This year's resources include a 32 page colour 'He Korero mo Aotearoa' booklet, a 'Kia ora' desktop card that can be used on reception desks, a 'Kia ora' poster and wallet size 'Kia ora' card all with helpful phrases and words for a range of settings including greetings, accommodation, transportation and tips on pronunciation.

"With the support of the New Zealand Maori Tourism Council we are pleased to include colour photographs in this year's collateral showcasing the unique offer Maori language and culture makes to the tourism sector. This has significantly lifted the bar in terms of presentation and appeal of the resources," says Huhana.

"This year we will hold the fourth Maori Language Week Awards, on National Maori Language Day 14 September 2007 in Wellington. The awards recognise and acknowledge the work participating organisations do to promote Maori Language Week. There are 19 awards in total including the new Tourism New Zealand sponsored Tourism award. There are also awards for businesses, schools, government agencies, libraries, arts and health organisations.

"We are continually updating our Maori Language Week web pages to give people ideas and information about the week and on what is required to win an award. The main criteria are innovative and creative use of te reo and involvement of the wider community,"

For more information visit www.koreromaori.co.nz

ENDS

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