It's hoped a new #korero pin will make it easier for people to use te reo Maori when they're out and about.
The #korero pin was launched today to coincide with Rotorua's celebration of its decision to become the country's first bilingual city.
"Similar pins overseas have been successful inhelping revitalise language. It signals that the wearer has an interest in speaking in te reo Maori, even if they are not yet fluent," Maori Development Minister and Waiariki MP Te Ururoa Flavell said.
"When you see someone wearing this pin, or tohu, it's a sign that you can approach them in te reo Maori and 'give te reo a go'."
He said the pin was "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 Maori 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 Maori, and it says, 'I want to speak Maori to you and I want you to speak Maori to me'," said 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.
