30 Jul 2012

Technology provides better access to te reo - commission

6:50 am on 30 July 2012

The Maori Language Commission (Te Taura Whiri i te reo Maori) says the use of the internet, social network applications, and technology is making it easier for people to access te reo Maori.

This year marks 25 years since the Maori language was made an official language of New Zealand, and celebrations to promote Maori language week have centred around the theme of Arohatia te reo (Cherish the language).

Te Taura Whiri chief executive Glenis Phillip-Barbara says in te reo she is pleased with the surge in interest for Maori language resources with more non-Maori showing a keen interest.

She says because most people nowadays are more technologically savvy and the internet and social networking applications will play a big part in teaching the language now and in the future.

Hei tā te tumuaki o te Taura Whiri, tērā pea nā te ngāwaritanga o ngā mahi ā ipurangi koia te take kei te tere te tipu o tēnei kaupapa ki te manomano, kāua ki ngā roopu ōrite ia tau ia tau.