What Does it Contain?
The content of Te Rito has been peer reviewed by people who are considered experts in their fields, such as Dr Huirangi Waikerepuru (Tikanga), Ian Cormack and staff at Te Taura Whiri I Te Reo Māori (Te Reo) and Moana Jackson (the Treaty of Waitangi). The Treaty section has also been reviewed by the Ministry of Justice. The content includes the following:
- Tikanga Māori
This section covers some ‘basic’ world views and key protocols which stem from Te Ao Māori and includes:
World Views – wairuatanga, mana, whakapapa and te taiao
Everyday Tikanga – what tikanga are, tapu and noa, marae tikanga and karakia
Tikanga at Work – around the office, staff meetings, external consultation and tangihanga
- The Treaty of Waitangi
This section includes information on New Zealand in pre-Treaty times, the Declaration of Independence, the signing of the Treaty, the texts and audios of some of the speeches and thoughts at the time, an examination of the Treaty itself, key milestones on New Zealand’s journey from the signing to present day, and some frequently asked questions. It also includes a section on applying the Treaty in practical terms in public sector workplaces.
- Communication with Māori audiences
This section covers:
Planning – fundamentals, checklists and monitoring
Cultural Differences – formal meetings, body language and decision making
Te Reo at Work – everyday use, written Māori and Māori Language Planning (developed by Te Taura Whiri I Te Reo Māori)
- Te Marae
This section includes a virtual reality tour of Apumoana Marae in Rotorua, which explains the significance of all the aspects of the marae and its Wharenui. Users of this section can also be taken through a step-by-step sequence of a pōwhiri at Hinemihi ki Whakarewarewa Marae; it includes text, audio and a visual representation of each stage of the pōwhiri.
- Te Reo Māori
Included in this section is:
Pronunciation – basic sounds (including a feature that helps you pronounce Māori names or words you are unsure of), placenames, Iwi and the Māori names of Government Departments
Formalities – mihimihi, karakia, waiata and greetings including assistance in constructing your own mihimihi
Basic Lessons – Who are you/Ko wai koe? Where are you from/Nō hea koe? How are you/Kei te pēhea koe? Where is/Kei hea…? and some basic commands
