4 July 2016

Southern DHB Tautoko Te Wiki o Te Reo (Southern DHB get behind Māori Language Week)

Southern DHB is getting behind Māori Language week -Te Wiki O Te Reo Māori (4 – 10 July) again this year, with a host of celebrations and events planned to help staff improve their understanding and enjoyment of Māori language and culture.

Every year since 1975 New Zealand has marked Māori Language Week. This is a time for all New Zealanders to celebrate Te Reo Māori (Māori language) and to use more Māori phrases in everyday life.

The theme for this year is Ākina te Reo – behind you all the way which is about using te reo Māori to support people, to inspire and to cheer on.

At Southern DHB, telephonists are answering phone calls in Te Reo Māori, a tradition which is being repeated from the last few years. Waiata practices are planned to give staff an opportunity to bond and learn some of the hospitals’ district wide waiata. There will also be special educational and interactive sessions held to help staff enjoy engaging with Te Reo Māori. Brief interviews with individuals will also be posted on the staff intranet asking the question “what does te wiki o te reo mean for you”?

In support of this year’s Māori language week information is also being posted on the TV screens in the foyer of Dunedin Hospital, as well as a display in the foyer at Wakari Hospital. The creation of a set of learning whakataukī (Māori Proverb) cards are being developed to encourage staff to give Te Reo Māori a go, with the Southern DHB values included within the set.

“I’m delighted that Southern DHB is celebrating Māori Language Week again this year. It’s important that we keep Te Reo Māori (Māori language) alive in our workplaces and communities, together we practice Te Reo and celebrate” said Pania Coote, Kaiwhakahaere Hauora Māori/Executive Director Māori Health.

ENDS

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