Kahungunu, Kia Eke!

Tuesday, 5 July 2016, 4:08 pm
Press Release: Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Inc

4 July 2016
Kahungunu, Kia Eke!

Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Inc. is thrilled to launch its latest promotional branding of the Kahungunu, kia eke! Ngāti Kahungunu Māori Language Strategy 2013-2027, a series of twelve thought-provoking video clips aimed at increasing awareness through demonstrating the possible reality if the language were to become extinct.

Director of Te Reo, Tikanga & Mātauranga, Jeremy Tātere MacLeod commented: “I imagine that some of the material in the clips will be quite controversial as we showcase the bleak reality of the dire state of the language within the tribe. The clips are aimed at increasing awareness and encouraging usage, urging Ngāti Kahungunu to take immediate action and make learning the language a priority”.

The series of clips was launched via the Iwi Facebook page at 5pm on Monday 4 July to celebrate the beginning of Māori Language Week 2016. The first clip features a scenario on a marae where there are no people proficient or confident enough to perform the karanga to welcome visitors. The tangata whenua have to revert to a pre-recorded karanga on an ipod. In 12 hours the clip had reached over 80,000 people, had over 28,000 views and 500 shares.

Jeremy Tātere MacLeod also commented: “We are very pleased that the video has gone viral within the first 12 hours, reaching over 80,000 people. It is hoped that our whānau will relate to the different scenarios in each of the clips and it will energize them to take up the challenge and learn their reo Māori. Kahungunu, kōrerongia tō reo! Kahungunu, kia eke!”.

The clips can be viewed on the Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Inc. Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/kahungunu/

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