Recognition for UC’s Maori language initiatives

Published by the Communications and Development Department

 

2 September 2004

 

The University of Canterbury has been named as a finalist in the inaugural Maori Language Week Awards.

 

It has been nominated for initiatives developed by its Mäori Department and the Te Wiki Working Group to encourage use of Te Reo in offices and common rooms.

 

A Mäori language resource kit, which included a CD Rom, book and labels displaying Mäori words, was distributed free to every academic department at the University to encourage daily use of the language.

 

The resource kits were a big hit with University staff. They attracted plenty of outside interest, and a second run is being considered.

 

The week’s activities also included talks by guest speakers from Ngai Tahu about the benefits they had gained from using the Mäori language in their professional and private lives.

 

The Maori Language Week Awards will be presented at a Gala Dinner in Wellington on 14 September.

 

For further information please contact:

Keela Atkinson
Maori Equity and Access Advisor
University of Canterbury
03 364 2314 ext 4822
Keela.atkinson@canterbury.ac.nz