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Whakanuia Te Wiki o te Reo Maori - Maori Language Week: 04 July - 10 July 2011

With school term dates being adjusted to accommodate the Rugby World Cup 2011, Maori Language Week will take place earlier than in previous years. Schools and teachers are asked to note Maori Language Week 2011 is during the second to last week of Term Two, 4 July - 10 July 2011.

Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori (The Maori Language Commission) have chosen 'Manaakitanga' as the theme for Maori Language Week.

" 'Manaakitanga' is a very important tenet of Maori custom and identity, that has, I believe, positively influenced notions of good old 'Kiwi' hospitality. At its core manaakitanga is about how we make people feel welcome when they are in our company, and how we give regard to and care for others when hosting visitors', says Chief Executive, Glenis Philip-Barbara.

'Perhaps the most recognised or common place where people see this custom practiced and experienced is on marae across the country. Certainly though for those iwi, hapu, whanau and wider communities for whom the language is an everyday enterprise, manaakitanga is a more habitual convention, evident in all interactions however great or small', says Glenis Philip-Barbara.

'Our key message is about promoting Maori language use in communities and homes. In keeping with our recent choices for Maori language week themes we've selected another activity-based concept to further emphasise this message', says Glenis Philip-Barbara. 'Here is a golden opportunity to think of all the ways you can act positively in your community and utilize the language and practice of manaakitanga to do so'.

For more information on Maori Language Week, contact Betty Hauraki on 471 6042, or refer to the website www.koreromaori.co.nz