Simpson Grierson looks to revitalise Māori language use with core principles

Simpson Grierson seeks to revitalise the use of the Māori language within the firm by setting its core Ngā Mātāpono o Te Reo Māori (Te Reo Māori principles).

The firm said that the initiative acknowledges and affirms “the status of the Māori language as the indigenous language of Aotearoa New Zealand, a Taonga of iwi and Māori, and an official language of Aotearoa New Zealand.” Through the principles, “the revitalisation of the Māori language will be supported at an organisational level with the aim of normalising the use of te reo Māori within the firm.”

Simpson Grierson partner Gerald Lanning said that the Ngā Mātāpono o Te Reo Māori would be a framework for the firm’s ongoing te reo Māori initiatives “as we find new ways to embrace and integrate te reo Māori into daily activity.”

“Key to achieving this will be expanding our education resources, providing opportunities for our whānau to learn through internal online materials and podcasts, and also by encouraging and incorporating te reo Māori use in our events, and everyday activities,” Lanning said.

The Ngā Mātāpono o Te Reo Māori are as follows:

• values Te Reo Māori as a core pillar to enhance our relationship with Tāngata Whenua
• promotes and encourages the learning of Te Reo Māori through the provision of internal and external educational opportunities and resources
• respects Tikanga Māori by including waiata and karakia at our formal hui
• ensures the Te Reo Māori used in our communications is of a high standard and complies with the firm’s Te Reo Māori Plan
• celebrates important events and supports campaigns that increase the understanding and appreciation of Tikanga and Te Reo Māori such as Matariki and Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori
• produces informative material through a regular Māori legal update
• aligns itself to, and supports relevant people, organisations and networking groups to ensure it is in a strategic position to grow future business in the Māori and wider Aotearoa New Zealand economy

The principles have received endorsement from the Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (Māori Language Commission).

“Simpson Grierson contributes to the revitalisation of te reo Māori through building the status and awareness of te reo Māori and encourages its use,” said Matu Ihaka, Te Hiringa - language planning support director.

Ihaka said that the commission recognises and supports the firm’s revitalisation effort.

“Te Taura Whiri i te reo Māori look forward to working with Simpson Grierson to build the capability of the firm in the wider New Zealand context of a nation where te reo Māori is seen, heard, valued and used every day, every way, everywhere by everyone,” Ihaka said.