Vodafone New Zealand and the Māori Language Commission have joined forces in a Mahi Tahi agreement to promote and revitalise the Māori language.

Vodafone will launch a staff app dubbed ‘Hika Vodafone’ on 10 September, to engage the organisation in revitalising te reo. This means staff will have the opportunity to learn te reo and incorporate it into everyday life – at work and at home.

“The theme for this year’s campaign is Kia Kaha Te Reo Māori which is about making the language strong. And I am hoping big businesses in this country will find the strength to step up and be champions for the language which is at risk of being lost”, said The commission’s chief executive Ngahiwi Apanui.

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“Embedding te reo Māori in any business operating in Aotearoa should be a priority and I’m delighted that Vodafone has taken this step towards long term change. We’re especially excited about the prospect of showcasing the Māori culture through the launch of the Hika Vodafone App to international colleagues visiting from overseas, it’s what sets us apart and is something every New Zealander can feel proud of”, Vodafone’s Diversity and Inclusion lead Kirstin Te Wao said.

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Vodafone’s diversity and inclusion lead Kirstin Te Wao believes the agreement reinforces the company’s long term commitment with the commission who have been sponsorship partners and language advocates with the commission since 2011.

Vodafone will be launching a staff app, Hika, on Monday (September 10) to engage the organisation in revitalising te reo. This means staff will have the opportunity to learn te reo and incorporate it into everyday life – at work and at home.