Embracing Te Reo Māori in the Workplace: Why It Matters and How to Get Started

As Aotearoa, New Zealand, continues to embrace its bicultural identity, more businesses are recognising the value of incorporating te reo Māori into their workplaces. Not only is it a way to honour Māori culture and language, but it’s also a powerful tool for building inclusivity and connecting with customers, staff, and the wider community.

In this blog post, we’ll explore why te reo Māori matters in the workplace and provide practical steps for how businesses can start incorporating it into their daily operations.

Why Te Reo Māori Matters in the Workplace

1. Cultural Responsibility and RespectTe reo Māori is one of New Zealand’s official languages, and incorporating it into your business practices shows a commitment to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi) and Māori culture. Using te reo Māori is more than just ticking a box—it’s a way to demonstrate that your business respects and values the indigenous culture of Aotearoa.

2. Strengthening Employee and Customer ConnectionsFor many New Zealanders, both Māori and non-Māori, hearing and using te reo Māori in the workplace fosters a deeper connection. It creates a sense of pride, inclusivity, and respect, showing that your business values diversity. Employees who feel their culture is acknowledged and respected are more engaged and loyal. Similarly, customers are more likely to trust and support businesses that align with their cultural values.

3. Building a Unique Brand IdentityIncorporating te reo Māori into your business can set you apart in a crowded market. By embracing this language, you signal that your business is forward-thinking, culturally aware, and connected to the unique identity of New Zealand. Whether it’s through bilingual signage, greetings, or branding, using te reo Māori can elevate your brand and create a more authentic connection with your audience.

How to Get Started with Te Reo Māori in Your Workplace

1. Begin with Simple Greetings and PhrasesAn easy way to introduce te reo Māori in the workplace is to start with simple greetings and phrases. Encourage your staff to use te reo when greeting customers or each other. For example, instead of saying “Hello,” encourage the use of “Kia ora” or “Tēnā koe” for individual greetings and “Tēnā koutou” for groups.

• Other simple phrases to introduce:

  • “Mōrena” for “Good morning”

  • “Ka kite” for “See you”

  • “Kei te pēhea koe?” for “How are you?”

This is a great starting point as these phrases are easy to incorporate and set the tone for te reo Māori to become a natural part of the workplace.

2. Introduce Bilingual SignageAnother practical step is incorporating bilingual signage throughout your office or workplace. Whether it’s simple labels for rooms (e.g., “Rūma Hui” for meeting room) or more complex directional signage, adding te reo Māori helps normalise its use and provides a visual reminder for both employees and customers.

For example, use bilingual signs such as:

• “Wāhi Kai” for “Café” or “Kitchen”

• “Wāhi Noho” for “Waiting Area”

  
  

  This not only encourages te reo use but also subtly reinforces the language for everyone in the space.

3. Incorporate Te Reo Māori in CommunicationsEmbedding te reo Māori into your everyday written and verbal communications is another effective way to show respect for the language. This could include:

• Adding te reo Māori greetings and closings in emails. For example, starting emails with “Kia ora” and signing off with “Ngā mihi” or “Hei konā rā”.

• Using te reo Māori in company newsletters, announcements, or social media posts to increase exposure to the language.

• Incorporating bilingual messages on your website, social media, and promotional materials.

Even if these are small additions, they can make a big difference in normalising te reo Māori in your workplace and interactions.

4. Offer Te Reo Māori Classes for StaffProviding opportunities for staff to learn te reo Māori is an excellent way to deepen their cultural understanding and language skills. Whether through internal lessons, hiring an external tutor, or offering access to online courses, giving employees the tools to learn te reo Māori demonstrates that your business is invested in cultural growth.

At Kākano, we offer tailored te reo Māori tutoring for individuals and businesses, designed to help staff at all levels feel comfortable using the language in professional contexts. From beginner classes to more advanced learning, these lessons help integrate te reo Māori into everyday business language.

5. Participate in Māori Cultural EventsAnother way to show your commitment to te reo Māori is by actively participating in cultural events that celebrate Māori language and culture. Māori Language Week (Te Wiki o te Reo Māori) is a perfect opportunity to spotlight te reo Māori in your workplace. You can hold events, workshops, or activities that encourage the use of the language.

Beyond Māori Language Week, consider marking other significant events such as Matariki, where you can incorporate both language and cultural practices into workplace celebrations. This reinforces your business’s connection to Māori culture and showcases te reo Māori in action.

Overcoming Common Challenges

Introducing te reo Māori into your workplace may come with some challenges, but they can be easily managed with the right approach.

• Staff Hesitancy: Some employees may feel nervous or unsure about using te reo Māori, worried about making mistakes. Encourage a supportive environment where trying is more important than perfection. Language learning is a journey, and mistakes are part of that process.

• Consistency: Introducing te reo Māori requires consistency and commitment. Make sure that management leads by example, using te reo Māori in meetings, emails, and day-to-day interactions.

Conclusion: Why Te Reo Māori is Good for Business

Incorporating te reo Māori in your workplace is not only a way to honour Māori culture and Te Tiriti o Waitangi but also a means of creating a more inclusive, connected, and respected business. Whether you're starting with simple greetings, bilingual signage, or offering staff language lessons, every step you take towards embracing te reo Māori helps to strengthen your brand and your relationships with both employees and customers.

By making te reo Māori a part of your daily business practices, you demonstrate your commitment to cultural respect and diversity, setting a positive example for others to follow.

Ready to start your te reo Māori journey?At Kākano, we offer personalised te reo Māori tutoring for businesses looking to integrate the language into their operations. Get in touch with us today to learn how we can help your business embrace te reo Māori and create a more inclusive workplace.