Kia ora te reo: Celebrating Māori Language Week
Māori Language Week is a time for all New Zealanders to celebrate te reo Māori and encouraging the use of more Māori phrases in everyday life. See how Bupa NZ took part.
The theme of Māori Language Week this year was “Kia ora te reo” which celebrates New Zealand’s indigenous greeting and the intent of te reo Māori revitalisation.
During Te wiki o te reo Māori (Māori Language Week), our Bupa community across New Zealand also embraced Māori language and culture.
The joy of people engaging with te reo Māori was plain to see.
Language Week celebrations for the team at Bupa Elizabeth R started with a meal together, a quiz and a discussion on family history. They also displayed a sign connecting Aroha (love) and family.
Local artist Margaret Pakipaki Patene showed residents Māori weaving, with team member Leeann Matthews on hand to assist with explanations of Māori language.
A quiz night at Bupa Elizabeth R involved translating English to Māori, using the Māori Cultural Handbook to translate their Pepeha (an introduction that establishes identity and heritage).
CONNECTING TO CULTURE
Bupa Cedar Manor embraced Māori Language Week with a visit to their local Marae (a sacred meeting building).
“Our residents were welcomed with open arms and loved the experience. One of our residents, Rod Mills, stood up and gave a thank you speech acknowledging the great hospitality shown to them,” said Administrator Jane Verry.
A few days later staff and residents had a Hāngi, which is a traditional New Zealand Māori method of cooking food using heated rocks buried in a pit oven.
This was followed by a Māori concert, with both employees and residents singing and dancing.
Throughout Te wiki o te reo Māori (Māori Language Week), a Māori version of the Bupa values was on display at Cedar Manor as well, with staff truly engaging with Māori culture.
At Bupa Fergusson, village residents were treated to an evening of entertainment from the Army Kapahaka group who sang and played their ukuleles. Everyone joined in a mixture of Māori and English songs.
SCHOOL VISITORS
The Kapahaka group from Cambridge Primary School visited Bupa St Kilda for Māori Language Week where residents enjoyed a performance from the students while being treated to a traditional Māori lunch.
“Every day this week the residents learn a Māori word to appreciate this special celebration for our Māori Culture,” Administrator Gladys Grande said.
Throughout the Bupa NZ community, our people, residents and families celebrated te reo Māori as a unique cultural treasure for all New Zealanders.
Whakawhetai koe mo te wiki pai
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