Chapman Tripp is proud to actively support Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori (Maori Language Week) again in 2018.
The firm's activities this week draw on the Maori Language Commission's 2018 theme, which is "Kia Kaha Te Reo Maori": strengthening competence and confidence to use Te Reo. This week we are sharing a Maori language video, cards with key Maori greetings and phrases, and posters, labels and emails exploring Te Reo Maori in the law and in the office.
"E kiia ana e te kaupapa, me mahi tahi tatau ki te whakapiki ake i te kaha o to tatau reo rangatira (the purpose of this year's theme is to encourage us all to work together to improve the strength of the Maori language)," said Chapman Tripp's Hoa Rangapu Whakarae (Chief Executive Partner) Nick Wells.
"Chapman Tripp has long been an advocate of cultivating Maori culture and keeping the language strong. We offer Te Reo classes in all three of our offices, all of which are fully subscribed, and our Te Waka Ture (Maori legal) group work closely with our people across the firm to promote the use of Te Reo.
"Chapman Tripp is also currently considering a formal Te Reo Maori policy – with the intent that a fundamental level of Te Reo should be able to be used by everyone across the firm in dealing with our clients and staff.
"Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori is a time to celebrate Te Reo and to raise awareness of its beauty. It started because of a petition to the Government on 14 September 1972, appealing for help with the revitalisation of the Maori language in schools," Wells said.
"Since that time, Te Reo has been promoted, however, it is still in a perilous state. It is important to think about the language this week and what could happen to it in the future.
"How do we make sure Te Reo stays strong? We use it, and we encourage others to learn it and continue to use it."