Tourism New Zealand backs Maori Language Week

Tourism New Zealand backs Maori Language Week

Tourism New Zealand should be applauded for their strong commitment to the promotion of Maori language said Race Relations Commissioner Joris de Bres, today.

Mr de Bres was speaking at the launch of the Maori Language Week theme in Wellington today. The theme Korero mo Aotearoa: On the Road With Te Reo refers to tourism and travel, and Tourism New Zealand has joined the Maori Language Commission, Te Puni Kokiri and the Human Rights Commission as promoters of Maori Language Week this year.

Mr de Bres said that Tourism New Zealand had done their homework about the business case for a greater profile for Maori language on New Zealand roads, in the hospitality industry and overseas marketing.

He added that it sometimes took tourists or those marketing New Zealand products overseas to recognise the value of Maori language and culture as a unique point of difference for New Zealand and an integral part of national identity.

Tourism New Zealand have previously produced a “Rough Guide to Maori New Zealand” for a marketing campaign in Europe. The launch of the New Zealand challenge for the America’s Cup in Valencia, Spain, has been accompanied by waka and haka this week. Air New Zealand has re-branded its in flight magazine Kia Ora for the same reasons.

Mr de Bres has invited Land Transport New Zealand, Transit New Zealand and the New Zealand Police to take initiatives for Te Reo road signage and road safety messages for Maori Language Week. He encouraged the hospitality industry and transport and tourism operators to take up the challenge. “If it’s good for the Maori language, it’s good for New Zealand,” he said.

Tourism New Zealand will sponsor a special Maori Language Week Award for the best Maori language initiative in the tourism industry.

The Maori Language Week launch is at Te Taura Whiri I te Reo Maori (the Maori Language Commission) offices, PSIS House, Whitmore St, Wellington at 5.00 pm, April 19.

ENDS

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