Te reo Māori pin to help make it easier to korero

Māori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell is optimistic a newly launched #kōrero pin will make it easier for people to use te reo Māori when they’re out and about.

“Similar pins overseas have been successful in helping revitalise language.

It signals that the wearer has an interest in speaking in te reo Māori, even if they are not yet fluent,” says Mr Flavell.

“When you see someone wearing this pin, or tohu, it’s a sign that you can approach them in te reo Māori and ‘give te reo a go’.”

The #kōrero pin was launched today to coincide with Rotorua’s celebration of its decision to become the country’s first bilingual city.

“It is a physical representation of support for today’s achievement. It is a visual celebration and an ongoing reminder to all who wear it to stick to our commitment to revitalise the Māori language and celebrate bilingualism.

“You can expect to see it popping up more and more.

It doesn’t matter what level of fluency you have. What matters is that you are willing to support and breathe life into the language.

“It demonstrates that you and the wearer have a positive attitude to te reo Māori, and it says, ‘I want to speak Māori to and I want you to speak Māori to me’,” says Mr Flavell.

The design of the pin is based on Te Pitau-a-Manaia (the fern frond of Manaia). It depicts a ‘waha kōrero’ – an active voice. The design also depicts growth, energy and the vibrancy of te reo.