"The Wairoa district has been doing this since 2013, and now it's great to see the other councils doing more and more to promote te reo Māori in the workplace and in public. It's a real win and great for the community to see and hear te reo Māori used naturally in public places," he says.
"Some people are scared they might offend Māori by mispronouncing the language. But giving it a go is what Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori is all about.
"The kīwaha are for all people to use every day, not just Māori. For example try saying tau kē, instead of well done, to your workmates, family and friends," says Culshaw.
He says it was important to ensure that the kīwaha were consistent throughout Hawke's Bay.
"For example, if you see 'tau kē' 'well done' in Wairoa, you will also the same phrase in Waipukurau," he says.
Culshaw says it gives him a great sense of pride to see all the councils in the region following Wairoa's example in flying the bilingual flags.
Māori will always support people trying to speak the Māori language, he adds.
"We have a great appreciation of people who try to speak te reo Māori. It's okay to be shy and make mistakes. All I can say is give it a go," says Culshaw.
Regional council chairman Rex Graham says it's great to see bilingual flags flying around the region.
"I'd really encourage everyone in the community to give the phrases a go, not only during Māori Language Week but throughout the rest of the year too," he says.
The kīwaha will be seen and heard on social media and local radio stations throughout Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori.
