Governor-General Says To Korero Maori

Media Release

27 July 2005

Te 27 o nga ra o Hongongoi / 27 July 2005

GOVERNOR- GENERAL SAYS TO KORERO MAORI

The Governor-General, Dame Silvia Cartwright, encourages all New Zealanders to give it a go and Korero Maori as part of the 30th anniversary of Maori Language Week, Te wiki o te reo Maori.

"I encourage all New Zealanders to support and engage in our uniquely indigenous culture and language.  It is an important part of our identity. It is what helps make us who we are and marks us out internationally," Dame

Silvia says.

 "We have seen a renaissance of Maori song and language in recent years.  Four years ago only a few knew the Maori words of the National Anthem.  Today virtually every student of school age can sing them without notes, as  can more and more adults of all races," she says.

 "Maori Language week gives us the opportunity to do more. We can use some simple words, say Kia Ora in our greetings, brush up on our pronunciation and maybe even learn some simple phrases," she says. 

A range of resources are available from Te Taura i te Reo Maori including a second K'orero Maori - Give it a go! 'phrase booklet - this time focusing on kai or food - along with posters, maps, t-shirts, stickers and pens.  The highly popular phrase book first produced last year has also been reprinted to meet demand.

The chief executive of Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori, Haami Piripi, says the theme, K'orero Maori - Give it a go! Kia kaha ake!