Celebrating Māori Language Week – we recognised Te Reo when we celebrated Maori Language Week across our New Zealand portfolio with a range of in-centre events.
In New Zealand Te Reo Māori is undergoing a resurgence, with more people than ever now speaking the language. During the year we celebrated Maori Language Week across our New Zealand portfolio with a range of in-centre events.
"Improving knowledge around Te Reo, the Māori language, is an important part of a community centre’s role."
Kirstie McNulty, Assistant Centre Manager, Westfield Riccarton
“Improving knowledge around Te Reo, the Māori language, is an important part of a community centre’s role. By greeting and farewelling all customers in Te Reo Māori, and temporarily replacing English signage with Te Reo translations, we brought Māori Language Week to life in the most natural way across all of our centres,” says Kirstie McNulty, Assistant Centre Manager at Westfield Riccarton.
“At Westfield Riccarton we were lucky enough to have Kirkwood Intermediate and St Albans School perform the Kapa Hapa in centre during the week. Having our local children bring the celebration to life was really important. If our younger generations are involved it bodes very well for the future.
“It was also the first time these schools had performed in our centre so it was a great way to build our relationship with them, and of course the centre was buzzing with proud parents during the performances.”
Emma Tate, Brand Experience Manager at Westfield St Lukes, continues, “We themed our family ‘Monty Morning’ event around Language Week, with storytelling in Te Reo and the kids decorating their very Maori wakas and Maori canoes with Monty. It was a great opportunity for our families to actively get involved in the celebrations.
“Across the country all of our customers and retailers were excited to celebrate Maori Language Week and customers shared really positive feedback about our involvement with our concierge teams.”
"Te reo is undergoing a resurgence – we're proud to do our bit."