Media Release
Mā Te Reo 2012 Funding Round opens
For more than 10 years Mā te Reo has supported community projects to further increase Māori language use, proficiency
and strengthen the ability of communities’ to lead their own Māori language regeneration. During that time Mā te Reo has
funded more than 900 initiatives nationwide.
“A living language is a developing language, and it is widely known that ‘reo tuku iho’ or inter-generational language
transmission is the key to sustaining a living language,” says Glenis Philip-Barbara, Chief Executive Officer, Te Taura
Whiri i te Reo Māori (the Māori Language Commission). Mā te Reo was established in 2001 to directly reach communities
and contribute to local Māori language regeneration. “Consistently since Mā te Reo’s inception the demand and uptake of
support of Mā te Reo from the community has exceeded expectations. As such, we are pleased to confirm that Mā te Reo
funding rounds for 2012 and 2013 to continue this support in the community. ”
Research in 2011 shows that primary outcomes of Mā te Reo initiatives included promoting te reo Māori; creating and
supporting more te reo Māori domains and resources; strengthening recognition of te reo Māori; and increasing
acquisition and use of te reo Māori. Secondary outcomes included supporting ongoing commitments to learning te reo
Māori; pursuing opportunities to speak te reo Māori and increasing opportunities for collaboration of community
initiatives.
“Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori acknowledges all of the Mā te Reo providers over the last eleven years who have
contributed to the regeneration of Māori language in their communities, whānau, hapū and iwi. We look forward to
supporting exciting community Māori language initiatives for another two years”.
This Mā te Reo funding round opens on Monday, 23 July and closes on Friday, 31 August 2012. To apply or more information
visit us at www.ma-tereo.co.nz or call free on 0800 MA TE REO (0800 62 83 736).
ENDS