Publication Launch to Celebrate Māori Language Week

Media Release - 21/07/14.

(For immediate release)

Publication Launch to Celebrate Māori Language Week.

Today sees the start of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Maori language week). NZ Landcare Trust is planning to celebrate on Thursday 24 July by launching an innovative new bi-lingual publication. Race Relations Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy will be the guest speaker at the launch, supported by Waikato-Tainui Te Arataura Chairman Rahui Papa and Waikato River Authority Co-chair Hon John Luxton.

Written in both English and Te Reo 'Waikato River Restoration: A Bi-lingual Guide' has been produced by NZ Landcare Trust and highlights some excellent examples of the restoration work that is taking place, while also offering an insight into the close ties Māori communities have with New Zealand's longest river.

In an era of co-governance and co-management, Waikato River iwi will play an increasingly important role in the future management of the Waikato River, so it is timely for a publication such as this to present an insight into Māori culture and highlight the close associations with the River. The Guide also takes a broader view featuring a series of case studies, reflecting what individual landowners can achieve whilst maintaining profitable farming businesses, all the way through to large scale restoration partnerships with community groups and the business sector.

Waikato-Tainui Te Arataura Chairman Rahui Papa said “The guide supports the objectives of the Waikato River Settlement and the Waikato-Tainui Environmental Plan - Tai Tumu, Tai Pari, Tai Ao; whilst at the same time promoting the use of Te Reo Māori throughout our communities.”

“A strong partnership was created between Waikato-Tainui and NZ Landcare Trust during the development of the guide… we support the guide to restore the health and wellbeing of the Waikato River.” Rahui added.

The Waikato River Authority provided funding for the project through their Waikato River Clean-up Fund that aims to support projects that contribute to the restoration and protection of the health and wellbeing of the Waikato River for present and future generations.

Further information about the new publication can be found on the NZ Landcare Trust website www.landcare.org.nz/BilingualGuide

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