"Bilingual Rotorua is not only about seeing more Māori words around town. This concept is a conscious reminder that each one of us has a responsibility to protect taonga (treasures) that make Aotearoa unique. One of those taonga is in fact te reo Māori. Becoming a bilingual destination is about us as New Zealanders, looking at how we can support and protect the language from extinction," said Te Taru White, chair of Te Tatau o Te Arawa in 2017.
Rauemi reo | Language resources
Te Taura Whiri i te reo Māori (Māori Language Commission) holds a wealth of knowledge about te reo Māori and provides a huge variety of resources, which you can add to your language bank.
An all-round good read - This little gem provides you with the words to our national anthem, useful words for the sport nut and some general phrases to spice up your life.
Need help saying words? You can get some audio tips to help with your pronunciation.
Signage List - Have you ever wondered what the Māori word is for fire extinguisher, emergency exit or an ATM? Take a look at this list of words, which you may be able to use in your department.
Māori-English Bilingual Signage - Do you know anyone who has a business, a sports team or is an organisation that is interested in becoming bilingual? Let them know about this guide which can help develop their wawata.
Downloadable Te Waiora – the life giving waters poster - Check out this awesome resource developed by Water New Zealand to highlight water being the life giver of all things.
