Cultural Intelligence Takes Centre Stage

Cultural Intelligence Takes Centre Stage

Cultural intelligence took centre stage at yesterday’s Kea Inspire event in Auckland, when the ability to work effectively in culturally diverse situations was described as “key to New Zealand’s future prosperity”

Steven Renata CEO of Kiwa Digital, was speaking on the theme “The Mana of Wellness”. He called on New Zealand businesses to find, honour, and amplify cultural intelligence(or CQ) in their organizations.

“To engage authentically in today’s environment it is essential business leaders and their staff understand and appreciate key values and principles of different cultures, nationally and globally,” Renata said.

Describing the company’s latest innovation, a cultural intelligence tool, Renata said,

“In a world-first, Kiwa Digital has developed new technology that enables a different language and culture to be brought into the workplace in a positive and helpful way.

“Used first by Callaghan Innovation to improve staff capability in relating to Te Ao Maori, the technology enables managers to develpp research-based digital solutions for measuring and improving cultural intelligence; while staff are motivated to try new things, learn at their own pace, and have fun. We want to see indigenous language resonate across the landscape.”

The cultural intelligence tool is a logical extension of the work Kiwa Digital has been doing with indigenous groups globally.

The company was founded on the idea of giving Maori children access to TV programmes in their own language, and now as a global reputation for its wok with indigenous languages and cultures. Recent projects include a series of graphic novellas targeting rangatahi Maori, a digital comic in Ngati Porou dialect, Aboriginal creation stories, and learning workshops in the UAE.

Kiwa continues to build its credentials in this are with two further initiatives underway: a trans-media project in collaboration with Haida First Nation in Canada, whose language is one of the most endangered in the world; and the appointment of representation in Africa, which has already led to recognition as a finalist for an award for Best Mobile App Innovation for Africa.

ENDS

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