Law giant Chapman Tripp is considering a formal Māori language policy – looking to have a fundamental level of Te Reo in use by all staff.

As part of Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori - Māori Language Week - the firm’s activities draw on the Māori Language Commission’s 2018 theme, “Kia Kaha Te Reo Māori”: strengthening competence and confidence to use Te Reo.

Chapman Tripp is sharing a Māori language video, cards with key Māori greetings and phrases, and posters, labels and emails exploring te reo in the law and in the office.

“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 year’s theme is to encourage us all to work together to improve the strength of the Māori language,” says Chapman Tripp’s Hoa Rangapū Whakarae (Chief Executive Partner) Nick Wells.

“Chapman Tripp has long been an advocate of cultivating Māori culture and keeping the language strong. We offer Te Reo classes in all three of our offices, all of which are fully subscribed, and our Te Waka Ture (Māori legal) group work closely with our people across the firm to promote the use of Te Reo.

“Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori is a time to celebrate Te Reo and to raise awareness of its beauty. It started because of a petition to the Government on 14 September 1972, appealing for help with the revitalisation of the Māori language in schools,” Mr Wells says.

“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.”