Arohatia te Reo theme for Māori Language Week 2012

20 DECEMBER 2011

MEDIA RELEASE

Arohatia te Reo theme for Māori Language Week 2012

Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (The Māori Language Commission) celebrates 25 years of existence in 2012 and to celebrate have chosen Arohatia te Reo as the theme for Māori Language Week 2012.

Arohatia te Reo, as a brand, means to cherish the language and our intention through using this brand is to provide a means by which people of all walks of life can demonstrate their love and regard for the language.

“It’s always a challenge designating a theme for Māori Language Week that everyone can relate too, however we’re pretty confident that whether you’re a priest, a business executive, a Mum, a student or a fire-fighter, or anything else for that matter – you’ll be able to identify with this theme and find a way to express your love for the language”, says Chief Executive, Glenis Philip-Barbara.

“Certainly the success of this year’s theme manaakitanga, and the feedback about its appropriateness considering our role as host for the Rugby World Cup was a factor in selecting Arohatia te Reo as a theme for next year”, says Glenis Philip-Barbara.

“As always Māori Language Week is a time for people to use and speak the language whether that’s taking the time to learn, or, using the language you have more often. This year we expect this theme presents a golden opportunity for individuals, schools, groups, organisations, businesses, corporates and government departments to express all the ways you might honour, use, speak and love the language.”

“Of course the challenge for us is extending the goodwill and support that Māori Language Week generates, across the whole year, so over the next few months, we, along with our partners Te Puni Kōkiri and the Human Rights Commission will be approaching other public sector organisations and corporate entities to participate and contribute to Māori Language Week 2012 celebrations and the Māori language in a more concerted manner”.

Māori Language Week dates occur in the second week of the third school term i.e. 23-29 July 2012.

For more information on Māori Language Week you can contact Debra Jensen on 4716725, or refer to the website www.koreromaori.co.nz

ENDS

www.tetaurawhiri.govt.nz www.koreromaori.co.nz www.ma-tereo.co.nz

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