4 July 2013

Budgeting videos to celebrate Māori Language Week 2013

In time for Māori language week the Federation of Family Budgeting Services has launched a series of budgeting tips in Te Reo Māori.

CEO Raewyn Fox says that 43% of budgeting clients identify themselves as Māori. “We see more Māori clients than any other demographic and these videos are a great way to spread our budgeting messages.”

The first videos are available now on the Family Budgeting website and Facebook page, and will be progressively released over the rest of the year.

“They are short and snappy, with English translations for people who are not fluent in Te Reo,” Fox says. “We are committed to recognising New Zealand’s official languages and we have a series of New Zealand Sign Language videos about to be released as well.”

The reason for the focus on language is the upswing in the number of Māori visiting budgeting services. “In 2010-11 our Māori clients outnumbered any other demographic for this first time in years,” Fox says. “Budgeting services began with the support of the Department of Māori Affairs in the 1960s, but in recent years we had seen more NZ European clients than any other demographic. With more Māori clients coming to budgeting now, we need to make sure we are producing resources in Te Reo Māori.”

But it’s not just Māori clients who can visit budgeting services. “An important part of offering budgeting advice is making the client feel comfortable,” Fox says. “We have a number of budgeting services throughout New Zealand with multilingual and culturally aware staff. It is important budget advisers can relate to anyone - in this economic climate we are seeing clients from all walks of life including Māori and non-Māori, Pacific Islanders, Asian, those on a benefit as well as those in employment. Our budgeting services are open to anyone and welcome anyone.”

Budgeting advice is offered free through the New Zealand Federation of Family Budgeting Services, with over 160 locations throughout the country. You can find your nearest budgeting service by visiting www.familybudgeting.org.nz or calling 0508 BUDGETLINE (283 438).

ENDS

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