26 January 2011

Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (The Māori Language Commission) have chosen “Manaakitanga” as the theme for Māori Language Week 2011.

““Manaakitanga” is a very important tenet of Māori custom and identity, that has, I believe, positively influenced notions of good old ‘Kiwi’ hospitality. At its core manaakitanga is about how we make people feel welcome when they are in our company, and how we give regard to and care for others when hosting visitors”, says Chief Executive, Glenis Philip-Barbara.

“Perhaps the most recognised or common place where people see this custom practiced and experienced is on marae across the country. Certainly though for those iwi, hapū, whānau and wider communities for whom the language is an everyday enterprise, manaakitanga is a more habitual convention, evident in all interactions however great or small”, says Glenis Philip-Barbara.

“Our key message is about promoting Māori language use in communities and homes. In keeping with our recent choices for Māori language week themes we’ve selected another activity-based concept to further emphasise this message”, says Glenis Philip-Barbara. “Here is a golden opportunity to think of all the ways you can act positively in your community and utilize the language and practice of manaakitanga to do so”.

It also links nicely to the tremendous event that is the Rugby World Cup 2011. “The Rugby World Cup 2011 is an excellent opportunity to use Māori language to host our visitors”, says Glenis Philip-Barbara “from cities to rural towns, hotels to homes, all modes of public transport and on our streets. Everyone who has Māori language knowledge, great or small, is encouraged to use it as often as they can during this exciting time as New Zealand showcases itself on the world stage”.

With school term dates next year being adjusted to accommodate the Rugby World Cup 2011, Māori Language Week will take place earlier than in previous years. Schools and teachers are asked to note Māori Language Week 2011 is during the second to last week of Term Two, 4 July – 10 July 2011.

For more information on Māori Language Week you can contact Betty Hauraki on 471 6042, or refer to the website www.koreromaori.co.nz

ENDS

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