Maori usage of web and email addresses to be researched

Maori usage of web and email addresses to be researched

The New Zealand Maori Internet Society is researching how the Indigenous Domain Names or web site and email address are used by Maori and the perceptions of the Maori addresses. Included in the research will be an authoritative history of Maori domain names introduction and development.

This is unique for all Indigenous Peoples in the world as this is the first time Indigenous usage of web site addresses has even been contemplated.

Maori are unique in the world as they have 3 of the only 5 Indigenous Domain Names while Native Americans have the 2 others.

The research will analyse the New Zealand government and education provider’s attitudes to Maori language on the Internet and how Iwi perceive their own .iwi.nz domain name which has been in existence for over 17 years. In addition all of the New Zealand web site addresses will be analysed to ascertain how much, and where Maori langue is being used; an aspect of Maori language that is always over looked says spokesperson Karaitiana Taiuru.

The research involves user surveys, analysis of registered names in .nz, Official Information Requests (OIA) and by analysing New Zealand government data and statistics in relation to Maori Language. An obvious fact that has emerged very early is the fact the most government departments and tertiary providers have a bilingual name, yet at this time, there appears no evidence that the same consideration and obligations are shown online said Mr Taiuru.

All Maori Internet users with an email address or web site are encouraged to participate in the online survey at www.YourAddress.co.nz

ENDS

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