Microsoft continues to support te reo Māori

Microsoft Windows Vista Māori Language Pack Released

Microsoft continues to support te reo Māori

AUCKLAND, New Zealand – 30 July, 2009 – Microsoft New Zealand today released a te reo Māori language pack for Microsoft Windows Vista that is available as a no-cost download.

The release, which coincides with Māori Language week, provides computer users with the ability to adapt their copy of Microsoft Windows to display many commonly used features in te reo Māori. It covers most of the user interface, such as menus, dialogs and error messages of the most commonly used elements of Microsoft’s Windows.

The Vista software has been a significant piece of work that includes grammar and language upgrades in accordance with Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (The Māori Language Commission).

Chief Executive of Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori Huhana Rokx says applications such as the Māori language pack are crucial as the normalisation of a language is dependent on it being a part of daily life.

“As technology becomes more intrinsic in our everyday lives, the use of te reo Māori helps make the language more visible and accessible. This project also showcases te reo Māori as a living language that can be used in any circumstance - however technical or specialised.”

Microsoft New Zealand country manager Kevin Ackhurst says the software is an important contribution to the New Zealand culture and one his team is immensely proud of.

“Microsoft is committed to giving people the best possible experience with our software and part of that is adapting our product to ensure it can be used in as many languages as possible.”

“We also believe it is critical everyone should have access to technology and all the benefits it brings are also dedicated to driving initiatives that help us overcome the digital divide.”

Windows XP and Office 2003 localisation packs are already available as a free download and are actively being used in the community and business environments to help ensure the survival of te reo Māori.

The language pack is another step taken by Microsoft to ensure more New Zealanders have access to technology and are comfortable using it. Earlier this year Microsoft worked with the 20/20 Communications Trust to help boost digital literacy and skill training.

“We were delighted to find a supportive partner in Microsoft. Their contribution and efforts to further bridging the digital divide is very pleasing. This language pack is another key commitment to developing New Zealand as a multi–lingual society,” says Earl Mardle, Chair of the 2020 Trust.

Current users of the te reo Māori LIP for Vista will receive automatic notifications that an update is available and it can be downloaded from http://www.microsoft.com/nz/maori.

Microsoft intends to release a te reo Māori localisation pack for Office 2007 later this year.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential.

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