The University has launched a brand new app teaching Te Reo Māori and Māori protocols.
Te Kūaha, The Doorway, is part of the University’s ongoing language plan aiming at increasing te reo use by students and staff. The app was developed in conjunction with a number of staff, students and alumni.
According to the University of Auckland website, “Interactive features within the app support learning for pronunciation of Māori words, introductions, greetings, speeches and acknowledgements, waiata (songs), karakia (invocations and prayers), iwi (tribal groupings and authorities), local geographic features, marae and marae protocol of relevance to the University of Auckland.”
The university has set a number of goals with regard to te reo Māori over the next 20 years. By 2040, the goal is for 50% of staff to be competent in basic te reo. By 2024, the university aims at all staff having participated in professional development for te reo Māori learning. And by 2025, all University of Auckland students will be able to opt to take a te reo course in their study programme.
The Ministry of Education recognises that placing value on a learner’s language and culture can improve learning and achievement outcomes, and so many of the university’s steps can be interpreted as moves in the right direction to support Māori learners. The app, along with the university’s plans to incorporate more te reo in teaching and learning, is beneficial for all students and staff in teaching the language and allowing members of the university community to develop an understanding of tikanga Māori.
Te Kūaha is available on the App Store, Google Play and the Microsoft Store.
