All lawyers and staff would be required to be able to use a fundamental level of Māori
Chapman Tripp is considering the development of a formal Te Reo Māori policy.
Nick wells, chief executive partner, revealed that the policy is intended to be used across the entire firm and will cover all lawyers and staff.
“Chapman Tripp is also currently considering a formal Te Reo Māori 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,” he said.
The revelation was made as the national firm discussed its support for Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week) last week. Chapman Tripp’s activities drew from the “Kia Kaha Te Reo Māori” theme of the event, which means strengthening competence and confidence to use Te Reo.
“E kīia ana e te kaupapa, me mahi tahi tātau ki te whakapiki ake i te kaha o tō tātau reo rangatira (the purpose of this years’ theme is to encourage us all to work together to improve the strength of the Māori language),” said Chapman Tripp’s Hoa Rangapū Whakarae (chief executive partner).
“Chapman Tripp has long been an advocate of cultivating Māori culture and keeping the language strong,” Wells said.
The firm offers Te Reo classes, all fully subscribed, in all three offices, he said. The firm’s Te Waka Ture (Māori legal) group also work closely with the firm’s people to promote Te Reo use.
Wells said that Māori Language Week is a time to celebrate Te Reo and raise awareness of its beauty. The event started in 14 September 1972 when the government was petitioned to help revitalise the Māori language in schools.
“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,” Wells said. “How do we make sure Te Reo stays strong? We use it, and we encourage others to learn it and continue to use it.”
