Congratulations to all media!

Congratulations to all media!

Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (The Māori Language Commission) congratulates all media for the fantastic and extensive coverage of Māori language initiatives that happened across the country over Māori Language Week this year.

“We are impressed at the amount of coverage achieved, while the final count will not be known for another week or so, at this stage it can be reported that the language achieved around 290 media hits across press, radio and television within the week which has an estimated advertising value of around $440,000”, says Chief Executive, Huhana Rokx.

“Additionally, the quality of coverage is also remarkable. From TVNZ’s Breakfast programme using Māori language place names to the Marlborough Express featuring their local language champions and listeners on RadioLIVE discussing compulsory Māori language education in schools. Seeing the first Māori language editorial in The Herald and TV 3’s Sunrise programme covering official launch activities at Auckland Airport, from the Northland Age to the Timaru Herald, Radio New Zealand and iwi radio, Bay of Plenty Times, Hawkes Bay Today and the Gisborne Herald, a range of kaupapa have been covered making this the most successful Māori Language Week ever”, says Huhana Rokx.

“Activities and promotion around Māori Language Week are a shared responsibility, and as such we wish to also acknowledge our partners, The Human Rights Commission and Te Puni Kōkiri for their continued support and our other contributing stakeholders, Air New Zealand, Wellington City Council, Auckland Airport, Wellington Airport, Manukau City Council, Māori Television and of course the Minister of Māori Affairs” says Huhana Rokx.

“Given that the vast majority of coverage was positive, the whole nation needs to be acknowledged for their collective embrace of the language. The Māori Language Awards is the platform to recognise these efforts, so we encourage all organisations to submit entries for consideration. Kia kaha rā koutou”, says Huhana Rokx.

Entry forms for The Māori Language Awards can be found on the Kōrero Māori website, www.koreromaori.co.nz. The deadline for submission of entries has been extended from 10 August to 17 August 2009.

ENDS

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