Kawe Kōrero, meaning to ‘spread the word’, is an initiative resulting from the Waikato Regional Council’s Māori partnership approach.
Te reo and tikanga experts have been closely involved in the development of the app which teaches basic speech in Māori, with helpful audio to assist with pronunciation.
It prepares users to attend hui or step on to a marae, teaching them what to expect, how to behave and how to contribute.
The app has specifically been developed to help staff, councillors and other councils to effectively communicate in partnerships with iwi and Māori. It is also available to the general public.
“It can be daunting to attend a powhiri or step on to a marae if you don’t know the customs or protocols. This app is a tool that can assist our capacity to work with iwi Māori more confidently. Our staff can now be prepared in any situation and I can recommend this app to others outside the council.”
Vaughan Payne CEO Waikato Regional Council
“Wow!! Just downloaded this APP and this is awesome!! We work closely with external organisations who are constantly needing this type of Awhi & I will definitely be getting them to download this app. Ka nui te mihi atu Kia kooutou”
Pu’era’s aim is to educate and revitalise an endangered language and culture by providing Cook Island Maori lessons taught day to day at Te Punanga O Te Reo Kuki Airani for over 40 years in the palm of your hand.
Pronunciation of te reo Māori, cultural protocol and waiata are the main focus of this new mobile app, Āke Āke, launched by Waitematā and Auckland District Health Boards.