MEDIA RELEASE
September 5 2008
Wintec a Finalist in the Raukawa Mäori Language Awards
Wintec is a finalist in an annual awards programme organised by Raukawa Reo. The aim of the awards is to celebrate and
recognise innovative efforts to promote the Mäori language either within the Raukawa region or specifically with Raukawa
descendants outside the rohe.
The categories included Business, Government and Local Government, Mainstream Education (ECE, primary, secondary and
tertiary) and Media including web, print, television and radio.
Entries were judged on the impact, participation and innovation, originality and the commitment demonstrated with their promotions of te reo entries.
Wintec's programme of events included innovative communications to all staff and students via email, the production of a
Mäori language newspaper 'Pitoitoi' lunch time speakers including recently retired Mäori Language commissioner, Haami
Piripi, public promotion of the week and the importance to New Zealand of the reo and wide ranging internal activities.
Wintec's Mäori Language Week activities included a range of communications and events for staff and students, including
lunchtime waiata lessons, a kapa haka display and large screen displays in various campus locations featuring te reo.
Available to external as well as internal audiences was the Wintec Mäori@Wintec website. We installed a billboard on one
of the busiest intersections in the city and produced a Mäori Language paper, Pitoitoi : Mäori Language Week magazine.
Wintec public relations manager Anna Carter said the institute was fortunate to have been given the screening rights of
The Mäori Merchant of Venice by co-producer Ruth Kaupua. The iconic film was screened to a large and enthusiastic
audience on campus.
Winners will be announced at the awards evening to be held at Te Wânanga o Aotearoa on the 20th of September.
Go to mäori @ wintec for details of Wintec’s Mäori Language Week activities.
ENDS