25 July 2012
E Hika Vodafone!
Vodafone in partnership with Hika Group Limited are supporting Māori Language Week. Together they have launched a Māori
language Smartphone application. The application offers the translation of more than 600 words and thousands of phrases
at the touch of a screen.
The Hika application developed by Auckland University senior lecturer Sophie Tauwehe Tamati, is a fun, engaging and
portable tool which translates English to Māori in written and verbal forms. “Hika concept was inspired by my own
experience of using English to help fast track my learning Māori. When it worked for me, I wanted to use it to help
others. “Māori language is a beautiful, precious treasure for New Zealanders to embrace, cherish and pass on to their
children and mokopuna,” says Sophie.
Vodafone has again lent its support to Māori Language Week. Russell Stanners, Vodafone NZ CEO, says: “We’re delighted to
support the Hika application during Māori Language Week and beyond. It’s a fantastic innovation that uses modern
technology to connect people in an easy and engaging way.” To celebrate Māori Language Week the Vodafone and Hika are
offering the first 50,000 applications downloaded for free until 31 August 2012.
“Our vision is to have te reo Māori be a everyday means of communication, and I acknowledge both Hika and Vodafone for
taking us a step closer to fulfilling that vision. This application contributes to mobilising our Māori language and
have it be more accessible for everyone,” says Glenis Philip-Barbara, Chief Executive of Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori.
ENDS