Southern DHB Tautoko Te Wiki o Te Reo

8 September 2017

Southern DHB Tautoko Te Wiki o Te Reo
(Southern DHB get behind Māori Language Week)

Southern DHB is getting behind Māori Language week -Te Wiki O Te Reo Māori (11 – 17 September) again this year, with a host of celebrations and events planned to help staff improve their understanding and enjoyment of Māori language and culture.

New Zealand has celebrated Māori Language Week every year since 1975, and it is an opportunity for all New Zealanders to celebrate Te Reo Māori (the Māori language) and use more Māori phrases in everyday life. The theme this year – Kia ora Te Reo Māori – was chosen to celebrate New Zealand’s indigenous greeting.

At Southern District Health Board hospital switchboards, staff are answering phones in Te Reo Māori, a tradition which is being repeated from the last few years.

Café Te Reo are planned to give staff an opportunity to learn and practice their language skills, especially around correct pronunciation of Māori kupu. Southern DHB Waiata cards will also be available at the hospital cafeterias, the yellow cards are to assist staff to engage with Te Reo Māori.

To help promote this year’s Māori Language Week there will be displays in the foyers at Dunedin, Wakari and Southland Hospitals.

“Māori Language Week is an opportunity to come together to recognise and practice Te Reo – Māori language,” Pania Coote, Kaiwhakahaere Hauora Māori (Executive Director Māori Health) explains.

“For the language to thrive, it needs to be used regularly, introducing a new and simple phrase each week will enable our staff to expand their vocabulary. Te Wiki O Te Reo Māori is also a time to celebrate our national language – Te Reo Māori.”

For more information about Māori Language Week visit: http://www.tetaurawhiri.govt.nz/events-and-promotions/maori-language-week/

ENDS

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