Rotorua Library celebrates Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori

16 July 2012

Rotorua Library celebrating Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori with community

Rotorua mayor Kevin Winters will officially launch Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori (Maori Language Week) at Rotorua District Library next Monday [23 July].

Library staff are embracing this year’s theme ‘Arohatia te Reo – Cherish the Language’ and are encouraging locals to get involved during Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori activities from 23 to 29 July.

The library’s new bilingual signage, which has involved amending around 80 signs to include the Maori translation for its collections, will be revealed at the launch.

Library marketing & promotions officer Sue Heke says the week not only gives the library the opportunity to highlight its many Maori resources but also gives groups within the community a chance to promote their Maori skills and activities.

“Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori is a fantastic opportunity to encourage and inspire local people to take up the challenge of learning something Maori – whether it’s correct pronunciation, everyday greetings, or joining a Te Reo class.

“The library doesn’t view it as a one-off event but rather as a celebration of what we have already and providing the impetus to improve our products and services to fully reflect the Rotorua community.”

Events taking place at the library during Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori include demonstrations by a carver and weaver from Te Puia; a traditional Maori games specialist displaying age-old Maori pastimes; a Maori language class relocated to the library for the week to encourage others to take up the challenge of learning to speak Maori; performances by local schools and kohanga reo; and a Maori myths and legends crossword competition.

Mrs Heke says a ‘Pukana Pic’ competition for 12 year olds and under is also being run during Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori. ‘Pukana’ is the facial expression used in kapa haka that often includes the protruding of eyes and exposed tongue, and the best pukana photo will win an evening at Te Po – the Indigenous Evening Experience at Te Puia.

ENDS

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