Te reo in the mix for council, courts

Whangarei District Council staff will be celebrating Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori - Maori Language Week - from today.

The theme for Maori Language Week is Arohatia te Reo, which means to cherish the language and provide a means by which people of all walks of life can demonstrate their love and regard for the language.

"This is a great way for people who don't currently speak te reo to learn more about Maori culture through the language. We will be encouraging staff to learn and use words, phrases and waiata and to better understand the history and stories," said Jude Thompson WDC group manager for positive growth.

"We are seeing a huge amount of talent across our community, our district and the region, and further growth in the Maori economy will be significant across a wide range of industry sectors. It's important in this environment for council staff to gain a better understanding of Maori culture. If we can start using te reo more then it's a step in the right direction."

Council staff were being invited to learn more about Maori culture, language, song, stories and haka, the week culminating in a haka challenge between the Northland Regional Council and the WDC on Friday.

Also from today announcements in all District, Family and Youth Courts around the country will be made in te reo Maori and English.