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Corrections a finalist in Maori Language Awards
3 October 2011
Corrections a finalist in Maori Language Awards
The Department of Corrections has been named a finalist in the 2011 Maori Language Awards Government category, for excellence in te reo Maori.
The awards, hosted by Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori, aim to celebrate Maori language regeneration and innovation across Aotearoa.
Corrections Director Maori Neil Campbell says the Department is helping contribute to the regeneration of te reo Maori by encouraging the use of te reo and tikanga in a way that is meaningful and relevant for both offenders and staff, including everything from basic pronunciation to delivery of pepeha.
“It is an honour to be named as a finalist in these awards. As Maori offenders make up over half of the offender population, we need to succeed with Maori in order to reduce re-offending overall.
“Through rehabilitation and reintegration programmes, offenders are given the opportunity to explore their culture and language and understand how the two can empower them to make better lifestyle choices.”
Tikanga Maori is integrated into Corrections’ programmes, with a core component of te reo Maori and designed to motivate offenders to address their behaviour using Maori philosophy, values, knowledge and practices.
Corrections also offers therapeutic programmes which follow a bi-cultural therapy model and allow for psychologists to work with Maori providers in a culturally appropriate way using te reo me ona tikanga.
“We are also working to embed te reo and tikanga Maori at all levels of our organisation, and know it will eventually become a natural part of our kawa,” Mr Campbell says.
“We encourage all staff to learn te reo Maori, pronunciation and how to use te reo words in their everyday work. It’s permeating right through the organisation, we’re seeing our employees using more te reo in their email communication and correspondence, and becoming more comfortable using waiata, karakia and mihimihi.
“Whether or not we win the overall Maori Language Award, we will continue to invest in our staff capability in te reo and tikanga Maori, and we will keep working towards succeeding with Maori offenders.”
The winner of the Maori Language Awards will be announced on Friday 18 November.
ENDS
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